WANT TO GROW PUMPKINS AT HOME? KNOW HOW

WANT TO GROW PUMPKINS AT HOME? KNOW HOW

Pumpkin plant also known as Kaddu Plant in native languages is a member of the "Cucurbitaceae" family and is widely produced in India during the Kharif (monsoon) and summer seasons for its immature and fragile fruits. Pumpkin cultivation is simple to care for if you feed and water them according to the instructions.

VARIOUS HEALTH BENEFITS AND NUTRITIONAL FACTS RELATED TO PUMPKIN SEEDS

1. HIGH IN ANTIOXIDANTS

Antioxidants found in pumpkin seedlings include alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, and beta-cryptoxanthin. These have the ability to neutralise free radicals in the body, preventing them from causing damage to your cells. These antioxidants have been found to protect skin from UV damage and reduce the risk of cancer and eye illness.

2. RICH SOURCE OF VITAMINS 

Big pumpkins are high in nutrients that can help to strengthen your immune system. For starters, it contains a lot of beta-carotene, which your body converts into vitamin A. Pumpkin contains vitamin C, E, iron, and folate, which are all very important for the immune system building. 

3. IMPROVING EYESIGHT

It's usual for people's eyesight to deteriorate after an age. Pumpkin is high in minerals that have been linked to maintaining good eyesight as you age. Its beta-carotene concentration, provides your body with essential vitamin A, whose insufficiency is a common cause of blindness.

4. PROMOTING WEIGHT LOSS

Pumpkin is a nutrient-dense vegetable. That means it's low in calories while yet being high in nutrients. Simply put, pumpkin is a weight-loss friendly meal since you can eat more of it while still consuming fewer calories than other carb sources like rice and potatoes. Furthermore, pumpkin is high in fibre, which might help you lose weight.

5. AIDS TO HEART HEALTH 

Pumpkin is high in a number of nutrients that are good for your heart. Pumpkin contains potassium, vitamin C, and fiber which are all considered best for heart health. Pumpkin is also abundant in antioxidants, which may help to prevent the oxidation of bad LDL cholesterol. 

HOW TO USE PUMPKIN IN FOOD 

1. IN A CAKE RECIPE 

When grated, sweet pumpkin lends itself well to cakes and bakes. Combine with cinnamon for gently spiced cupcakes, add honey to boost the sweetness, or transform your favourite carrot cake recipe. 

2. SAVOURY SOUP 

The soft pumpkin flesh melts into a rich, velvety soup with ease. To keep the colour bright and vivid, add onions, cream, and stock then top the finished soup with salty pancetta for a soup fit for a dinner party.

3. PIE 

Nothing compares to it in terms of flavour, whether you like it or not. Choose a basic version with short crust pastry, nutmeg, and cinnamon, or add a lattice top, filo finish, or luscious dollop of stem ginger cream. 

4. PUMPKIN HALWA 

The unique pumpkin halwa is certainly the ticket if you're looking for a sweet treat late at night. 

5. ROASTED PUMPKIN

This aromatic and easy-to-follow recipe of baked pumpkin slices drenched in a delectable yoghurt sauce will be a hit at the dinner table. 

VARIETY OF PUMPKIN SEEDS

1. PUMPKIN SEEDS F-1 HYBRID US-101 (LARGE)

Vitamin A, Vitamin B2, Iron, and Beta-carotene are all abundant in the Hybrid Pumpkin, which provides a variety of health benefits. It has a high water content (almost 94%), making it a low-calorie food that can also be a good source of energy. Harvesting pumpkin seeds of F1 Hybrid US 101 (Large) is incredibly adaptable, tasty, and delicious, and may be used in a number of food preparations in addition to its nutritional benefits. The seeds are ovate in shape with freckled green skin. On ripening orange flesh appears on the skin of the pumpkin. The fruit is ready to harvest in 80-90 days. 

2. PUMPKIN SEEDS AMRIT

These seeds grow pumpkins which are medium in size with vigorously climbing vines that are flattish circular in shape and have a green mottled skin with light yellow to orangish flesh. 

3. PUMPKIN SEEDS F-1 HYBRID US-64 (SMALL)

This pumpkin variety seed produces a semi round ribbed fruit with a green mottled skin and yellowish orange colour inside. These seeds produce vigorous growing vines of giant pumpkin. 

COMPLETE GUIDE ON HOW TO GROW THE BEST PUMPKIN

You must be thinking of the correct  method of growing pumpkin from seed!

FOLLOW THE STEPS BELOW AND GET READY FOR PUMPKIN GARDENING

1. MAKING THE SOIL READY 

Rich soil and enough fertilizer are required for growing pumpkins. Make sure you use the best soil mix for seeds so the required nutrients are received by the seeds.  pH values of soil should be between 6.5 and 6.8. Lime can be used to boost the pH level while sulphur can be used to lower it.

2. PLANTING THE SEEDS

Plant pumpkins after the last frost, or start seedlings indoors up to four weeks before the final frost. Plant a few seeds a few inches apart, one inch deep, pointed side down. Make sure you use the right gardening tools to plant the seeds. Drive them into the soil and cover them with a thin layer of soil. Water with caution. To protect them from wind and cold, cover them with a heated hat or seedling cloche. When you see some pumpkin seeds sprouting, pick the biggest and strongest one and throw away the rest. 

3. CHECK THE POSITION OF SEEDS

Your pumpkin's stem should be at a 90-degree angle to the vine. If it isn't, allow the main vine to grow to a height of 25 feet and the subsidiary vines to grow upright to the main but not to a height of 8 feet. To reduce water loss, snip off the tips of the vines as needed and bury the ends far below.

4. FEED WITH PROPER FERTILIZER AND WATER 

Pumpkins are over 90% water, therefore they require at least one inch of water each week, and more during periods of drought. When the soil feels dry to the touch, water it. 

5. TIME TO HARVEST 

Pumpkins usually mature between 95 and 110 days after planting. Cut with a sharp knife, leaving at least two inches of woody stem attached. Damaged stems can lead to rotted pumpkins, so be gentle. If at all possible, wait until the vine dies before harvesting the pumpkins.  

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQS)

Q1: WHICH IS THE BEST TIME TO PLANT PUMPKIN SEEDS? 

Ans: The best time for planting pumpkin seeds is from late May to early July. 

Q2: IS IT NECESSARY TO PRE-SOAK PUMPKIN SEEDS BEFORE SOWING THEM?

Ans: If pumpkin seeds are soaked in water for at least 24 hours they promote fast germination as compared to unsoaked ones.

Q3: WHICH PLANT SHOULD ONE AVOID GROWING NEXT TO PUMPKINS?

Ans: One should avoid growing large root crops near pumpkins plants such as potatoes, onions and beetroots