Pumpkin

Giant pumpkin

Latin name: Cucurbita maxima
Botanical family: Cucurbitaceae

Description

The giant pumpkin is an annual plant producing very large fruit that can exceed 50 kg. Its broad leaves and creeping stems make it a spectacular plant, ideal for competitions or autumn decorations. Its dense, sweet flesh is also highly prized in cooking.

Growing tips

The giant pumpkin needs rich, deep, well-drained soil. It likes sunny exposures and a generous supply of water and nutrients throughout its growth.

Sowing :

• Sowing period: April to May, under cover, or in the ground from mid-May.
• Sowing depth: 2 to 3 cm.
• Germination temperature: 20 to 25°C.
• Germination time: 7 to 10 days.
• Planting: Transplant from mid-May, spacing plants 2 to 3 metres apart.

Harvesting :

• Harvest period: August to October, when the fruit is well coloured and the stalk begins to dry.

Care instructions

• Enrich the soil before planting with compost or decomposed manure.
• Water regularly without wetting the foliage to prevent powdery mildew.
• Pinch stems to limit the number of fruits and encourage pruning.
• Mulch to maintain humidity and avoid direct contact between the fruit and the soil.

Culinary possibilities

Although mainly decorative, giant pumpkins can be eaten. Its flesh is ideal for soups, purées, gratins and desserts (cakes, tarts). As a decoration, it can be hollowed out for Halloween or used as a natural container.

Rotation and association

Do not grow pumpkins after other cucurbits (squash, cucumbers) to limit disease. It goes well with maize, beans and sunflowers.