Pumpkin loves sunlight and warmth, grows well and develops in the southern regions. However, it can be grown in the middle lane. To do this, you need to choose the right variety and prepare seedlings. I am constantly growing pumpkin using seedlings and will share my experience with you.
How to plant a pumpkin for seedlings
To harvest an early harvest, you can use the seedling method. First of all, you need to choose healthy and high-quality seeds. In addition, you should choose the right containers and pay attention to the timing of cultivation. Seed material can be bought at a specialized store or prepared by yourself.
Proper selection of pumpkin seeds
The pumpkin from which you plan to collect seeds should grow separately. Choose a medium-sized fruit of the correct shape with a uniform color. Inspect the plant and pumpkin from all angles and check for diseases, parasites, and damage.
Harvest seeds before frost.
Store the cut fruit in a warm place for a month. And only after this time it is possible to extract the seeds from the pumpkin.
Cut the fruit on the side, remove the seeds, peel the pulp and rinse with cool water.
Then select large and healthy seeds, dry them. Store seed material in a dark, cool room at a temperature not exceeding +16 °C.
The ideal storage container is a paper bag. Thus, the seeds will be able to breathe and not deteriorate.
If possible, use a basement or pantry for storage, and any closet in the room is also the best option.
Seed planting time
Plant in the second half of April or early May, about 2-3 weeks before planting in the garden.
Preparing containers and sowing seeds
The pumpkin does not tolerate transplantation, so the seeds should be planted in peat containers, and then they should be placed in the soil along with the seedlings.
- For planting, use larger cups: at least 7 cm wide and about 6 cm high.
- Soil for sowing can be prepared with your own hands by mixing humus, sawdust and peat in a ratio of 1: 1: 2.
- Plant the seeds in the soil at a depth of about 4-5 cm.
- When 2-3 leaves appear, seedlings can be planted in the garden.
Preparation of seed material for planting seedlings
Step-by-step preparation of seeds for sowing:
- Sort the seeds, removing damaged and small ones.
- Soak the seeds before planting. Wrap in moistened material and leave for two days to germinate in a warm place.
The optimum temperature of the liquid for soaking the seeds should be up to about +45 °C.
Proper picking of pumpkin seedlings
So that the sprouts do not fight among themselves for nutrients during close planting, it is recommended to use a pick.
Pumpkin is hard to transplant, so you need to plant the sprouts with caution.
Pay special attention to planting depth. Make sure that the leaves are above the ground, otherwise you can harm the growth point, and the sprout will die.
The procedure for performing a pick
- Make a recess with a special stick.
- Carefully take the sprout below the leaves, dig it out and carefully move it into the hole.
- While holding the seedling, sprinkle the hole with soil. Once the plant is established, release it.
- Compact the earth, water it. Be careful not to get water on the leaves.
- After absorbing moisture, sprinkle the bed with dry soil.
Make sure that the plantings are not exposed to direct sunlight. For the beds you need to create a shadow. The seedlings should be kept in the shade until fully established. Picking will help increase the yield of pumpkin.
I hope my simple and unsophisticated tips for growing pumpkins through seedlings will help you. With consistent implementation of all the recommendations, you can achieve an excellent harvest.
Read also: I take care of raspberries in the spring very carefully, otherwise you won’t see a good harvest - my events
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