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Seasons
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Even though most think of the pumpkin as
something to be carved at Halloween it is a very edible vegetable and
can be used in soups, casseroles, cakes, muffins, and pies. The seeds
can also be a very tasty snack
Planting:
Plant seeds 1 inch deep in rows 2-3 feet apart with the rows 6-8 feet
apart. Work organic matter into the soil and side-dress with an handful
of 5-10-10 fertilizer.
Plants require a lot of moisture to grow large fruit. Mulching will
help to hold moisture in the ground and discourage weed growth. Do not
cultivate as it will damage the tender roots. After a few pumpkins
have formed, pinch off the fuzzy ends of each vine to discourage rampant
vine growth.
Some say that if you plant pumpkins in the corn patch it will
discourage raccoons from attaching the corn patch. I do not know
this to be fact or fiction.
Harvesting:
Bring in your harvest after the growing season ends but before the
first frost. If possible let the vines die first.
"Cure" the pumpkin in a warm (75-80 degree F) dry place for
a week or so. Then dip in a weak chorine bleach solution (10 parts
water to 1 part bleach) to kill fungi and bacteria on the skin. Store
for the winter at 50-60 degrees in an unheated attic. They will
not keep in a root cellar.
Pests:
The cucumber beetle may attack as the first leaves appear and the
squash bore may arrive later. These can be a difficult nuisance!
In the South Powdery mildew and downy mildew may be a problem and
another challenge can be blossom end rot. But if you survive all
this, you shouldl have a harvest of beautiful, golden pumpkins!
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Varieties
Jack O'Lantern is an ideal multi-use pumpkin. Great
for Jack O'Lanterns and for eating. Each fruit averages about 12-18
pounds. Skin is bright orange, smooth and firm. The richly flavored flesh
is ideal for pies and breads. Seeds make a delicious, nutritious snack.
100-110 days to maturity.
Autumn Gold is a handsome, easy to grow All-America Award Winning
hybrid that offers significant advantages to those who enjoy growing
pumpkins. Medium sized, vigorous growing plants produce approximately 3
uniform 10 pound fruits. The brilliant Halloween orange color develops in
the immature stage, enabling early harvest in short season areas or when
desired. Autumn Gold is a perfect triple purpose pumpkin - for carving,
cooking and delicious seed snacks. 90 days to maturity.
Sugar or Pie is the premier
pumpkin for eating. Fruits grow to about 8" across with sugary-sweet
flesh that's big on flavor. The tiny seed cavity means there's lots of
flesh for pies, breads, and other cooking. It's great as a Jack O'Lantern
too. Seeds make a delicious, nutritious snack. 90-100 days to maturity.
Jack-Be-Little Wonders Never Cease." This new
pumpkin is one of the world's smallest and most interesting. Easy to grow
plants will bear and average of 8 miniature pumpkins, approximately
2" tall and 3" in diameter. Although edible, they are most often
used as table decorations and miniature jack-o'-lanterns. Properly cured,
pumpkins will last up to 8 months. 95 days to maturity.
Connecticut is a perfect pumpkin for Jack O'Lanterns
and for eating. Each fruit averages about 20 pounds. Skin is a rich orange
color and the ends of the fruit are flattened so they won't tip. The
richly flavored flesh is ideal for pies and breads. Seed make a delicious,
nutritious snack. 100-110 days to maturity.
Big Moon is a huge variety that is a
frequently prize winner at county fairs. Carefully grown, fruits can
exceed 200 lbs. Fruits are evenly ribbed, medium orange and slightly
rough. Fine textured orange flesh is outstanding for pies, cooking, or
freezing and the seeds make delicious snacks. Perfect for huge
jack-o'-lanterns. 90-110 days to maturity.
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®
Hertzler
Farm
and Feed Inc.
Pumpkins