Pumpkin - Cucurbita maxima
Full sun.
Jul–Sep depending on sowing time.
Mar–May outdoors after risk of frost.
40–60cm height; 30–50cm spread.
OVERVIEW
A sprawling plant that produces large fruits in late summer and autumn. Grow in a sunny spot with rich soil, water well during dry spells, and leave fruits to ripen fully before harvesting. Pumpkins and squash are perfect for soups, roasting, curries, pies and baking.
- Vegetable Type: Pumpkin
- Key Characteristic: Reliable crop suited to UK gardens with good flavour and productivity.
- Hardiness: Tender annual (protect young plants from frost).
PLANTING ADVICE
Plant in moisture-retentive, fertile soil enriched with compost or manure. Best grown in the ground with plenty of space, though compact types suit large containers.
- Outdoor cultivation
Best grown outdoors in fertile soil with plenty of space and full sun.
- Greenhouse cultivation
Not suitable for greenhouse cultivation.
CARE & HARVEST
Keep soil moist and weed free. Feed weekly once flowers appear using a high-potash fertiliser. Remove any damaged leaves to improve airflow and check plants regularly for pests. Harvest fruits promptly to encourage further cropping.
- Watering: Water regularly and consistently, keeping compost moist but not waterlogged. Avoid letting plants dry out during flowering and fruiting as this can reduce yields.
- Feeding: Feed weekly with a high-potash liquid fertiliser once flowering begins to support fruit production.
- Cutting and prunning: Remove any damaged leaves and excess growth to improve airflow.
- Harvesting: Harvest in autumn once skins are hard and stems begin to crack or dry. Leave to cure in a warm, dry place before storing.
- Pest and diseases: Monitor regularly for pests and remove affected growth promptly.
VERVE RECOMMENDS...
- Check plants daily in peak season – fruits grow quickly and are best picked young.