Growing pumpkins in containers is beneficial, allowing you to have a fresh harvest all year round. Learn how easy to grow them in this article!
Pumpkins are valued for their taste and decorative appearance. Growing pumpkins in containers is not difficult and does not require a lot of maintenance. It is actually a kind of undemanding vegetable that adapts to any climate!
Growing Pumpkins in Container
You can plant pumpkin seeds or buy seedlings from a nursery. It can be planted from April to the end of May in very cold climates, and until July in slightly warmer climates. If you live in a subtropical climate or without tropical frost, you can grow it for most of the year.
Also Read: Powdery mildew of Pumpkin
Choosing a Pot
Choose a large pot of 10 gallons or at least 16-20 inches (for small pumpkins). For larger varieties, it is better to use a larger pot. Just make sure it has a drain hole at the bottom.
Small varieties of pumpkins are best for containers and small gardening. However, you can also grow a wide variety of pumpkins. Few of the best are listed below:
The First Pumpkin
It is a family heirloom that was originally used to feed cows and is now used as a delicious pumpkin pie.
Lumina Pumpkin
It is similar to the crescent variety. Lumin has smooth-skinned white pumpkins.
Porcelain Doll
The fruit is unusually pink. The medium-sized pumpkin has bright orange flesh.
Goosebumps
At first, your skin is smooth, but as it grows, warts gradually appear.
New Moon
It is one of the largest varieties and has thick white flesh. The crescent moon is named for its fair skin.
Prize winner
This diversity is very large. The winner can make a large pumpkin that usually weighs between 75 and 150 pounds.
Baby Boo
Baby Boo is ghostly white, named “Baby” because of its small size. It grows to 2-3 inches.
Sugar Pie
This strain is as cute as its name and much smaller. Used for baking cakes, biscuits and pies.
Jack-o’-Lanterns
The midsole round pumpkin is a great choice for carving.
Jack-Be-Little
This small variety of squash can only grow to 3-4 inches tall, and it takes about 80-90 days to mature. You can plant rows to get a bright and rich harvest.
Also Read: Pumpkin farming: how to plant, grow, and harvest pumpkins correctly and properly
Pumpkin care
#1.Mulching
Once your plant grows to a few inches, do mulching. It reduces water evaporation and helps maintain moisture in the soil.
#2.Fertilizers
Pumpkin plants are rich in nutrients and require a lot of fertilization. Most importantly, it is important to have fertile soil so that the pumpkin can become bigger and fleshier. It is best to use balanced fertilizer in the early stage of growth.
It is a good idea to switch to low-nitrogen, high-potassium, and high-phosphorus fertilizers, such as water-soluble fertilizer for every two weeks (when the plants are long enough to bloom).
#3.Pests and Diseases
Pumpkin is a hardy plant, but it still suffers from many diseases, especially powdery mildew. Try to keep the leaves dry to prevent diseases.
For pests, look out for common garden pests such as aphids, fleas, mealy bugs, cucumbers and worms. Use organic insecticides such as neem oil to treat them. If the pests increase, try using commercial insecticides.
Pumpkins can be harvested 90-120 days after planting (depending on the variety and growing conditions).
Immature and green pumpkins are also used in gourmet recipes and many exotic dishes.
But to pick mature pumpkins, check if they harden into a deep and uniform colour (most common varieties are orange). When the peel hardens and looks empty, it’s time to reap the benefits. The bark must also withstand the pressure from the nails. There should be an interval of approximately 100 days between the sowing of the vegetable pulp and the fully mature harvest.
To pick a pumpkin, use scissors or a sharp knife to carefully remove it from the branch. However, do not cut too close to the fruit; leave long stems (about 10 cm) to extend the shelf life. Store pumpkins in a dry, cool and dark place.
Also Read: Planting and Growing Okra Step by Step
Create an organic pumpkin container garden and maximize your harvest
- Sowing pumpkins in spring when the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature reaches 65°F.
- It is best to grow pumpkins with seeds, but you can use seedlings grown in biodegradable pots to reduce exposure.
- For growing pumpkins require a huge container, usually at least 20-25 gallons, to hold pumpkin plants.
- Your pumpkin plant needs a support system to help the vine grow.
- Pumpkin is a good fodder crop, so add enough compost to the soil before planting. Then plan to fertilize frequently during the growing season.
- Depending on the selected pumpkin variety, it may take 90-120 frost-free days for the pumpkin to fully mature.
Your pumpkin plants will grow happily in their pots, but now you need them to be happy. Here, we explain how to take care of pumpkin plants growing in pots.