Butternut squash is the sweetest pumpkin with a special flavor. What are pumpkins? Use in cooking

One of the most valuable plants that grow in many gardens are representatives of Pumpkin. Today they are represented by a wide variety of varieties that differ in taste and care features. Muscat pearl pumpkin is very popular. It is known for its aromatic pulp and simple cultivation.

This is a powerful plant that forms about 4-7 lateral lashes. They have medium sized leaves. They are dark green in color with a slight white blotch. sheet plate not dissected and pentagonal.

To get a ripe crop after planting seeds in the ground, about 100-110 days should pass. Although it often takes about 115-130 days for full ripening. The variety forms fruits, which are referred to as false berries.

Pumpkins of this variety have the following description:

• cylindrical-round shape. However, there are round and oval pumpkins with a pronounced ribbed structure;
• peel has a bright orange. This color of the skin acquires due to the high content of carotenes. During the ripening period, the color of the peel changes its color from gray-green to greenish-orange;
• the skin is flexible and thin;
• the pulp is thick. It is soft and juicy. All Muscat species are characterized by a fibrous structure of the pulp. It usually has an orange-yellow hue.

The fruits have big sizes. The average weight is often in the order of 8 kg. Pumpkins reach a length of 50 cm. It is worth noting that this variety has a small seed nest.

The fruits have an excellent taste, which led to the variety of such a high popularity. Many gardeners claim that its taste is the best of all members of the Pumpkin family. Berries are often used in cooking for various dishes.

The characteristics of the variety include the following parameters:

• good yield;
• cold resistance;
• drought resistance.

Harvesting is carried out in dry and sunny weather. When removing pumpkins from the beds, it is not allowed to break off the tail up to its base. The tail should be at least 5-10 cm long. After separation from the bush, the berries should be in the sun for 3-4 days (if they allow weather).

The fruits, if they were picked correctly, are able to tolerate long-term transportation well. While creating favorable conditions(warm and dry) they can be stored for a long period of time. It is not recommended to store them in the basement. Here the crop will be covered with mold and rot. When storing berries for more than 6 months, there is a significant deterioration in their quality.

The variety can be grown both for sale and for personal use.

Growing features

This variety of pumpkin requires certain conditions in terms of cultivation. They must be adhered to in order to remove a rich harvest of delicious fruits from the bushes at the end of the season.

For the cultivation of this variety, well-lit areas are chosen, which warm up quickly in the spring. The plant does not tolerate drafts, so the site must be protected from strong winds. It is best that the soil in the chosen place be light loamy or sandy loam.

Sowing of seeds is carried out at the end of May, but planting of seed is allowed in early June. It is recommended to prepare the seeds before planting. To do this, they are soaked in potassium permanganate. The seeds are also treated with a contact-type fungicide (prevention of many diseases).

Holes are dug at a distance of 1–1.4 m. A distance of 1.4 m is observed between adjacent beds. Two seeds are placed in each hole. The depth of their occurrence is 5–6 cm. Their active development begins at +18–25 degrees.

After the appearance of sprouts on the bed, they are thinned out. good growth young plants will provide proper care. In the case of a cold summer, pruning of the stems is performed. There should be no more than three left. The top is cut off when the shoot reaches a length of 0.5 m. This will stimulate the development of side shoots.

Branching internodes must be sprinkled with moist soil. This procedure is performed 2-3 times during the season. As a result, a sufficient number of adventitious roots are formed, which leads to the active development of the vegetative part. It is on it that the harvest is formed.

In order for pollination to be successful, air humidity at the level of 60-70%, as well as a temperature of +20 degrees, is necessary.

Despite the good resistance of plants to drought, the pumpkin responds well to irrigation. Watering is carried out under the root. Watering is especially important during the period of active formation of inflorescences by plants, as well as during flowering and fruit set.

Watering is reduced after the bush has formed the bulk of the ovaries. Otherwise, excess moisture will noticeably worsen the quality of ripened pumpkins.

As you can see, caring for this pumpkin is simple and does not require a significant investment of time and effort. Therefore, the variety can be grown by novice gardeners.

Variety advantages

Pumpkin Muscat Pearl in its description of the variety contains the following list of advantages:

• high yields;
• the ability of plants to tolerate drought and low temperatures;
• excellent taste qualities of pumpkins;
• good fruit transportability;
• excellent appearance of the crop;
• high concentration of carotenes in fruits;
• large-fruitedness. With proper care, pumpkins get a lot of weight.

The fruits of this variety are used in folk medicine. They help in the treatment of diseases of the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, gout, etc.

The variety has no obvious shortcomings. Pumpkin Pearl has a lot of advantages and needs a lot of simple care. Therefore, it is very often grown in domestic gardens.

Video "All you need to know about pumpkin"

From this video you will learn what every gardener needs to know about pumpkin.

Butternut squash – one of the sweetest and most delicious members of the Pumpkin family. It has a fibrous, juicy flesh of rich orange color and a pleasant aroma. Due to this, varieties of nutmeg pumpkin are especially popular among gardeners.

Did you know?Mexico is the birthplace of nutmeg. Here the weight of fruits can reach up to 1 centner.

In order to pick the best way for growing on the site, it is necessary to study the pumpkin varieties with a description.

Features of nutmeg pumpkin

In addition to excellent taste, nutmeg varieties pumpkins are characterized by a long shelf life, special nutritional value, as well as increased the content of vitamins (groups A, B, PP, E) and trace elements (potassium, magnesium, iron, etc.). The fruits may have different shape and their skin is thin and easy to cut. The color of the pulp and seeds depends on the particular variety. The stalk is pentagonal, expanding towards the base. Compared to other types and varieties of pumpkins, nutmegs are thermophilic, therefore they are recommended for breeding in the southern regions.

Important!In our latitudes, plants are often planted with seedlings, which speeds up the process of fruit ripening.

Common varieties

With proper care, the best varieties of butternut squash will provide the amateur gardener with an excellent harvest.

Long climbing pumpkin refers to late-ripening varieties. The fruits have an elongated, cylindrical shape, expanding towards the top. The skin and flesh color is light orange. Fruits reach 5-7 kg and are characterized by a dense, juicy structure.

A late variety of pumpkin, since the time from the first shoots to harvest is about 140 days. The fruits are ribbed, wide, cylindrical or oval. Ripe pumpkins have a brown color interspersed with green and pinkish-yellow hues. The pulp is juicy, crispy, sweet, dark orange in color. The weight of one fruit reaches 5 kg. Does not require special storage conditions.

Mid-season variety of nutmeg pumpkin. The time from the first shoots to ripening in late summer-early autumn is 130 days. Fruits are formed large, flattened, greenish-gray in color, weighing 6-10 kg. They have a particularly sweet taste, are well stored, do not crack or rot.

Mid-late variety of nutmeg pumpkin. The period of full maturation is 130-150 days. The fruits are wide, flattened. Their color changes from green to light brown as they ripen, the flesh is orange. The weight of one mature pumpkin is about 5 kg. Widely used in confectionery.

The Muscat Pearl pumpkin variety is medium-late. It takes 100-110 days to ripen the crop. The fruits grow round-cylindrical, with a bright orange peel and soft, juicy, thick flesh. Pumpkins keep very well in the cold.

Important!This variety is characterized by a small seed nest.

This variety of nutmeg melon belongs to medium-late varieties and has a stable yield. The fruits ripen in about 110 days. Small pear-shaped pumpkins (2-3 kg) are covered with a light orange skin, and the juicy flesh has a brighter color.

Palav Kadu is a late-ripening climbing variety. Pumpkins are rounded, have a ribbed surface, grow up to 10 kg. The skin color is pale orange. The pulp is sweet and juicy.

Pumpkin Muscat de Provence belongs to the middle-late (110-115 days until full ripening) varieties. A strong plant forms rounded, flattened fruits weighing 3-4 kg with characteristic grooves. The flesh is colored bright Orange color, dense, characterized by a high content of carotene and sugar. Pumpkins store well and are disease resistant.

Arabatskaya

One of the most common mid-late varieties of butternut squash for open ground. The growing season lasts 115-125 days. The average weight of an elongated fruit is 5-8 kg. It is covered with a thin, yellow-orange skin. In the middle of the pumpkin has a bright orange color, juicy, dense, sweet. Perfectly stored for 3-4 months.

Butternut squash is annual plant, with long leaves growing on stems that spread along the ground. This is one of the most delicious varieties, its fruits are sugary and juicy. Most of all, such a pumpkin is suitable for making desserts. Since it is very dependent on the sun, it is preferable to grow it in warm regions. Varieties of nutmeg pumpkin with a photo and the description presented on our website will help you grow this plant on your

Varieties of nutmeg pumpkin with photos and descriptions

Varieties of nutmeg pumpkin - what are they?

The benefits of nutmeg pumpkins:

• lack of cholesterol in the fruits of nutmeg pumpkin;
• low calorie;
• promotes excretion from the body harmful substances, has a diuretic effect;
• helps to increase immunity;
• the presence of carotene helps to strengthen visual function;
• potassium content, strengthens the organs of the cardiovascular system.

Allocate the following varieties butternut squash:

- the richest in carotene content (up to 16%) pumpkin variety. The appearance of the pumpkin is dark in color and ribbed in shape, its flesh is rich red, crispy and sweet. Fruits can reach a weight of seven kilograms. As a rule, she has a good yield, but sings for a long time - about one hundred and thirty days.

- This pumpkin is a favorite for softness and sweetness. Its fruits have an average weight (about 4 kilograms), ripen in early August (subject to sowing in April).

(walnut, nutmeg, squash) - has an elongated shape, somewhat similar to a zucchini. The color both outside and inside is rich yellow. The internal structure is fibrous, juicy and sweet to taste.

- this is one of their new varieties, she has a very original form- long, reminiscent of a pear. The pulp of such a pumpkin is juicy and very tasty. The period of its growth is about 130 days, the weight of the average fetus reaches 5 kilograms. The pearl variety of nutmeg gourd is very tasty both fresh and processed.

- this variety, as the name implies, was developed in France. It has a high yield, fully ripens in about four months. The pumpkin fruits of this variety are distinguished by their orange color and ribbed surface, its flesh is very dense, bright orange, and has excellent taste. Its main advantage and different from other varieties of nutmeg pumpkin is that this type of pumpkin is perfectly stored and tolerates transportation well.

- This is a variety bred by Japanese breeders. It has the shape of a pear, its taste is somewhat reminiscent of a chestnut - sweet and spicy. Pumpkins of this variety do not have big size, reach about 2 kilograms.

- a variety that is characterized by high lightness. As the name implies, it has the shape of a guitar, and can reach a weight of four kilograms. As a rule, it ripens in early autumn.

There are a lot of varieties of nutmeg pumpkin, you can also note such as: candied (brown on top and orange inside), golden pear (has the shape of a drop, sweet and ripens early), matilda (with wonderful honey aroma), augustina (resembling a spotted zucchini, with firm flesh white color). The largest pumpkin of the Muscat variety is distinguished - Arbat, its weight can reach twenty kilograms. Among the pumpkins of this species, it ripens the latest, has the shape of a cylinder.

As a rule, nutmeg varieties are grown in the south, but also for middle lane Russian breeders have bred several varieties:

• Vita: used in both table and feed nutrition, the fruit is light brown in color and the flesh is orange.
• Pearl: used for food and preservation. Almost the entire fruit is filled with dense, sweet pulp. It is rich in carotene and gives a rich harvest.
• Prikubanskaya: mid-season variety (about a hundred days), with red-orange pulp, very juicy and sweet.

As a conclusion, it should be noted that the varieties of nutmeg pumpkin, with a photo and description on our website, it will not be difficult to grow even for beginner gardeners. It is grown by planting seedlings and direct sowing of seeds. It does not require very careful care, but always pleases with a sweet and juicy harvest.

Undoubtedly, any kind of pumpkin has a rich vitamin composition and other valuable properties. However, among culinary specialists, it is the nutmeg species that is especially popular due to its nutritious and high taste qualities. Some compare the taste of pulp with melon juice, and in our article we will consider the sweetest varieties and varieties for growing in Russia, including large-fruited ones.

This article describes the main features different varieties butternut squash. This will help gardeners decide on varieties when choosing seeds for the new season. With a modern assortment, it is wrong to give preference to one type, because you can evaluate the merits and taste only in comparison.

Butternut squash differs from the fruits of other species even outward signs. Fruits are formed elongated in the form of a cylinder or pear, and five faces are visible on the cut of the stalk.

The vegetable got its name from tangible musky aroma, which is heard during cutting. The peculiarity of the variety is also visible on the seeds, they have a dirty yellow or brown tint.

Varieties of butternut squash

Culture of late ripening, the growing season lasts about 130 days. The whip is formed long with a wide oval fruit, the weight of which reaches 4.5-6.8 kg.

The structure of the pulp is crispy, but tender, the taste is sweetish. The skin is thin, the thickness of the bright orange edible part is about 10 cm.

Planting is carried out by seed or seedling way, the location of the holes is best planned in rows. Features of care are pinching the side branches of the lash and the main stem. Harvest in September-October.

A variety of medium maturity with a growing season 91-136 days. The length of the whip reaches 3-4 m, the weight of the fruit is pear-shaped from 2300 to 4600 grams.

The thickness of the pulp is about 4 cm, the skin is thin, creamy on the cut. Pumpkin retains its qualities and marketable condition within 3 months after harvest.

A plant with an average ripening period, the growing season is 115 days. The cylindrical fruit is characterized by a slight thickening at the end, the weight of a mature vegetable reaches 6-7 kg.

The skin is thin, the edible part is tender, juicy, sweet in taste.

The culture is drought tolerant. Used fresh and processed.

A plant with an average ripening period, the weight of a medium-sized pumpkin is 4.5 kg. Vegetation lasts 115-127 days.

The dense skin of a gray shade (light and dark) contributes to a long shelf life, until the next season. Bright orange sweet pulp does not contain additional aftertastes, nutmeg aroma complements any dish with a delicate taste.

hardbark

A variety of early ripening, from germination to harvest, it takes only 65-80 days. Fruits are densely tied on a long lash, the weight of which before being removed from the garden is 800-1500 grams.

The pumpkin crust is quite dense, the pulp is low-juicy, breaking up into separate fibers, from which the plant got its name. There is not much sweetness in the vegetable, but it absorbs seasonings well. Sometimes the pumpkin flavor in a dish is not immediately recognized.

muscat de provence

High-yielding variety, unpretentious in care, the fruits of which reach the weight 8-10 kg. The skin is thick, which prolongs the shelf life of the vegetable without losing valuable properties.

The pulp is fragrant with honey taste. Scourge plants of compact size, immunity resists various diseases and pests. Vegetation period - 120 days.

It has a high yield and a long shelf life (up to a year).

Young shoots intensively form long lashes, on which pumpkins weighing 6-9 kg. The growing season lasts 100-110 days.

The peel of oval-oblong vegetables is covered with a wax coating. The layer of pulp is thick, sweet in taste, with medicinal and dietary properties. The plant is tolerant to bacteriosis and powdery mildew.

Polyanin

Mid-season crop with a growing season 110-125 days. The weight of the vegetable reaches 4000 grams, the skin is smooth with barely visible ribs.

The pulp has dense structure, tastes sweet and juicy. The whip is formed up to 4 m long, therefore, when disembarking, the following scheme is used: 70x70 cm. Polyanin is resistant to diseases and adverse weather conditions.

Popular varieties of large-fruited pumpkin

Ripening period - late, vegetation period - 118-127 days. A cylindrical vegetable with a thickening at the top hangs when ripe up to 9 kg.

A thick layer of bright orange pulp after processing is incredibly juicy and sweet in taste. Duration of storage is about 4 months.

The variety is characterized as high-yielding, resistant to diseases and drought.

big moon

The growing season lasts 115-130 days. The whip is formed powerful, to get a large pumpkin, only one ovary is left. The weight of such an instance reaches 70-80 kg. In normal cultivation, the mass of the vegetable is about 20-30 kg.

The peel is of medium density, the pulp is tender, but retains its structure well when heat treatment. The use of pumpkin is universal.

plant with early term maturation, vegetation lasts 90 days. Pumpkins weigh up to 20 kg with conventional agricultural practices.

The culture is responsive to fertilizers, so removing a giant vegetable from a bush is quite realistic. Young shoots cope well with adverse weather conditions, in particular drought. Diseases and pests are not dangerous.

The shelf life of the crop winter period under proper conditions is 4-6 months.

The weighty fruit veils up to 20 kilograms, although records were recorded up to 200 kg of one copy. Plant of late ripening with a growing season 125-140 days.

To get giants, you will need to fertilize the soil well and monitor moderate humidity. The culture forms a long lash; when planting, the distance between the holes is 100x150 cm.

Bright yellow flesh has a dense structure, delicate taste is filled with sweetness.

The variety is tolerant to various diseases and pests, withstands adverse weather conditions.

For cultivation in the suburban area of ​​Siberia and the Urals

The growing season of the Russian woman lasts 90-100 days, fruits are characterized by juicy sweet pulp and melon aroma. More than 20 kg of crop is harvested from 1 m2 with the weight of a vegetable 1.9-4 kg.

The plant is medium climbing, when planting, an interval between bushes of about 60 cm is observed. For 5-6 months, the pumpkin retains its taste and commercial qualities in a dry and ventilated room. The use of pulp is universal.

Cold-resistant early ripening plant with a ripening period 85-90 days. Culture Smile - bushy, forms up to 6 small shoots, on which 8-10 pumpkins are tied, each weighing 0.8-1.2 kg.

The bright orange flesh is crisp but not very juicy. The vegetable is incredibly popular among culinary specialists due to its sweet taste and melon aroma. harvested the flesh retains its qualities until March. Landing is carried out according to the scheme: 60x60 cm.

Michurinskaya

Table variety, suitable for fresh consumption and processed. The growing season lasts 96-105 days. Average fetus weight approx. 5 kg.

The seed nest is small, which indicates a thick layer of pulp.

The plant tolerates adverse weather conditions (drought, cold, heavy rainfall), even frosts down to -5 degrees are not terrible.

early ripening up to 105 days and strong immunity allows you to grow a crop in the conditions of Siberia and the Urals. The plant is medium climbing, when planting, the scheme is used: 60x70 cm.

The weight of the pumpkin reaches 3-5 kg. Main taste characteristics: juicy, sweetish with a pleasant honey aroma.

For the Moscow region and central Russia

The growing season lasts 100-110 days, one hundred corresponds to the average aging period. Bush of compact size with large quantity ovaries from which pumpkins develop weighing 7.5 kg.

A small seed nest is located in the upper part of the elongated fruit, the rest is orange-red flesh.

It is planted by seed and seedlings with an interval between bushes of at least 60 cm. The culture is responsive to organic fertilizers, characterized by cold resistance.

Golden pear - early ripening 95 days. About 3 fruits are formed on each lash, the weight of which reaches 1.8-2 kg.

Taste qualities have a chestnut note. Harvesting begins in August, up to 10 kg of vegetables are harvested from 1 m2.

culture is responsive to fertile soil and organic fertilizers.

Mid-season crop with a ripening period 115-125 days. The plant forms a powerful whip, the weight of the fruit reaches 3-4 kg.

Strong immunity is manifested in resistance to diseases and cold climates.

Mid-season variety with a growing season 110-125 days perfect for growing in open field on the suburban area in the Moscow region or central Russia. Fruits of an elongated shape are formed on the lash, weighing up to 3 kg.

The peculiarity of pumpkin lies in the unique taste, sweetness and delicate structure of the pulp.

For gourmets

The elongated shape of the fruit is more like a zucchini. Greenish-yellow skin of medium firmness, the flesh is juicy and sweet with apricot flavor.

The weight of the vegetable reaches 5 kg. The harvest is stored for about 4-5 months. Cooks often use the edible part to make purees and freshly squeezed juices. Saturated with vitamins and minerals, the product is prescribed for the dietary and medical table.

Pumpkin Gribovskaya, popular for our latitudes, with an early ripening period 85-90 days. The bark of the fruit is smooth and slightly ribbed, the color varies from dark green to yellow with greenish patches. Dense orange-colored pulp is distinguished by high palatability.

The weight of the vegetable is 2.5-5 kg. When disembarking, a scheme is used: 60x70 cm.

Butternut (walnut)

A productive variety bred by Italian breeders, the growing season lasts according to the description 90-100 days. Oblong fruits are gaining weight 5-9 kg, the seed department of small sizes is located in the lower part of the pumpkin, so the layer of pulp is thick.

The taste qualities of the vegetable are valued for tenderness, sweetness and juiciness. The product contains an increased amount of carotene and other vitamins. The vegetable is used for medicinal and dietary nutrition.

Mid-season variety with a ripening period 110-115 days. A powerful plant forms a large lash, so the following scheme is used when planting: 100x150 cm. The skin is thin, the flesh is dense and incredibly sweet.

The weight of the fetus reaches 3-4 kg. The culture is distinguished by good immunity, manifested in the form of resistance to diseases and adverse weather conditions.

Each variety has its own characteristics taste characteristics. Ideally, plant annually in addition to your favorite species. new hybrid, which will allow you to give your favorite dish unique notes and aroma.

In a big family gourds butternut squash takes special place. Due to its excellent taste and benefits, it can be called a real queen, especially since special conditions must be created to grow such a pumpkin. But with the knowledge of the basic methods of agricultural technology, you can grow a nutmeg beauty in any region, and please yourself and loved ones with an amazing vegetable.

A bit about pumpkin and history

In the wild, this variety of pumpkin grows in countries Central America- in Mexico, Peru, Colombia. Fruits can have a different shape and color, respectively, and weight:

• cylindrical;
• oval;
• pepper-shaped;
• rounded.

Most often, an elongated nutmeg pumpkin is grown in open ground, as well as "cylinders" and "pears". In all of them, the stalk has a special five-sided shape. The weight is different, from 1 to 8-10 kg, there are also giant specimens reaching 100 kg.

The peel is bending, thin. Inside, almost the entire pumpkin is filled with pulp, the seed chambers are very small and compactly located in one place. The pulp is juicy, fibrous, tender, has an orange color. Various varieties may have shades: cream, amber, dark yellow. The taste is sweet, a very pleasant aroma of nutmeg is felt.

On a note!

It is believed that the most best taste the butternut squash is small in size.

Butternut squash has various titles: “butternut”, “walnut”, “moskhata” and others, but regardless of its name, this culture has earned popularity among gardeners. In the Russian regions, a large one does not grow, after all, this vegetable is thermophilic, but with good care and sowing through seedlings in open ground, you can get pumpkins up to 5-7 kg (depending on the variety).

Useful properties of pumpkin

Besides the fact that the orange beauty is unbelievable delicious vegetable, it also has numerous useful properties. The pulp of nutmeg pumpkin contains in large quantities:

• vitamins A, C, B, B6, E, K and others;
• potassium, magnesium, manganese.

The vegetable is a dietary, low-calorie, widely used in baby food. In terms of carotene content, pumpkin is “ahead” of carrots, so it must be eaten by those who have vision problems.

Pumpkin fruits - false berries, help to remove harmful toxins from the human body, contribute to the healing of the kidneys, slow down the aging process of the body. It is useful to eat a delicious vegetable to improve blood clotting, people suffering from heart disease, as well as those who wish to increase immunity.

And, of course, butternut squash has found application in cooking. Its pulp is best consumed fresh, using in salads. Mashed potatoes, various side dishes and cereals are delicious, and you can also make excellent pancakes from pumpkin contents. Muscat pumpkin is stuffed in small sizes, and you can take vegetables or meat as a filling. Pumpkin pies, halva and candied fruits are popular.

Features of choosing a place for a pumpkin

Since this type of pumpkin "came" to our region from warm continents, special conditions are needed for growing vegetables in open ground. Butternut squash is very demanding on heat, so gardeners in the middle lane and more northern regions it is necessary not only to select early ripe varieties, but also to grow a vegetable through seedlings.

For landing you need to choose sunny areas, while it is better to make high ridges. So the nutmeg "southerner" will be warmer and more comfortable. The ridges should be covered by the sun all day long, protected from the winds. The best soils- light, loamy, without stagnant moisture.

On a note!

Pumpkin grows best on ridges where green manure, legumes, cabbage or onions were grown before. You can not plant nutmeg (like other types of pumpkin) in areas after cucumbers, melons, potatoes.

It is better to prepare the bed in the fall, then you can add fresh manure. If the work was not carried out in the fall, then in the spring they dig up the site, introducing rotted compost or last year's mullein, you can also add superphosphate.

Growing and caring for butternut squash

Taking care of seedlings

In most Russian regions, this pumpkin is grown in seedlings. To do this, you first need to prepare the seeds, as well as containers for seedlings and soil.

Sowing dates are approximately the end of April, although it is necessary to take into account the climatic features of the region. It is believed that pumpkin seedlings should be 3-4 weeks old, strong and healthy. Here, based on this, you need to choose suitable time for sowing seeds for seedlings.

1. Before planting, the seeds must be soaked in a pink solution of potassium permanganate, in time - for about 30 minutes.
2. Then they are soaked in any growth stimulant.
3. Next, you need to rinse the seeds, spread out in a damp cloth for germination.

Sprouted seeds are placed in pots with a soil mixture, two in each. Pots should have a diameter of at least 10 cm, so it will be more convenient to transplant later.

You can cover the containers with foil and put them in a dark and warm place. But as soon as sprouts appear from the ground, the pumpkin is transferred to the illuminated window sills and the shelter is removed. Usually the seeds germinate very quickly and it is important to keep the plants from shading so that they do not stretch.

If sowing was carried out two seeds per pot, then after a while one is cut off, leaving the strongest and strongest. After two weeks, if the weather allows, you can take out pumpkin seedlings to the loggia or balcony, hardening it. But it is necessary to control the temperature and prevent its sudden changes. Pumpkin is a very heat-loving plant, and it is not worth exposing it to stress in the form of cold.

When caring for seedlings, it is necessary to water them regularly, since under the sun the soil in pots can dry out quickly.

Usually, by the end of May - the beginning of June, the soil on the ridges warms up, and the seedlings can already be transplanted to permanent place. When planting, the soil temperature must be at least + 10ºC, otherwise the seedlings will get sick and may die.

The planting pattern in open ground is chosen arbitrarily, but we must remember that there should be a distance of at least 60 cm between seedlings. Muscat pumpkin, like other types of melons, needs space and big square nutrition.

pumpkin care

The agrotechnics of this culture is simple, there are no specific and complex methods. After planting seedlings, it is recommended to cover the pumpkin nonwoven fabric, this will protect young seedlings from the hot rays of the sun, save from recurrent frosts.

Care includes:

• watering;
• top dressing;
• weeding.

Weeding

It is especially important to remove weeds in the first weeks after planting seedlings, until the pumpkins themselves have come into full force. Later, when the plants get stronger, form whips, and the leaves begin to cover the nearby space, the weeds will stop growing on their own, so you only need to slightly loosen the soil.

watering

The plant in the open field tolerates drought well, but will thank the harvest if regular watering is provided. Only in this case, the vegetable will grow intensively, and the fruits will pour. Before the appearance of the ovaries, it is watered once every 7 days, later - at least once every 10-14 days.

Adult plants "drink" at least five liters, while the water should not fall on the leaves of the vegetable.

Muscat pumpkin is watered only with settled and warm water, temperature - not less than + 18-20ºC.

Loosening is required, as this contributes to the saturation of the soil with oxygen.

top dressing

Pumpkins respond well to the introduction of mullein, ash, so you should feed the nutmeg beauties several times a season. Recommended:

• for the first feeding, use mullein infusion (diluted with water 1:10), and you can also add about 25-40 grams of superphosphate;
• for the second top dressing (already during the flowering of the pumpkin) apply complex fertilizer, as well as potassium sulfate or ash.

During the flowering period, as well as the ripening of fruits, organic matter is excluded from top dressing.

On a note!

It is effective to use green “tea” for top dressing: insist nettle in a barrel (about 7-10 days) and water the plants with this infusion.

Typically, such fertilizers are used by gardeners who prefer to do without "chemistry" when growing vegetables.

Pumpkin pollination

Another point: pumpkins are not self-pollinating plants, and therefore bees or bumblebees are needed to “help” transfer pollen from the male flower to the female. But you should not count on such pollination, so it is recommended to do the procedure manually.

To do this, find male flower with a stamen covered with pollen (usually it is the “muzhiks” who begin to bloom earlier), carefully remove the petals from it, and then touch the stigma of the stigma of the female flower with the stamen.

On a note!

The procedure is best done early in the morning when there is no heat of the day.

Determining where the male and female flowers are is very simple. The female flower immediately below it has a slight thickening - the future fruit, and male colors there is no such thing, and immediately after the pedicel comes the stalk.

plant formation

If you want to get large and sweet fruits, then you need to properly form pumpkin bushes. There can be many ovaries on one plant, but it is impossible to provide everyone with food. Therefore, in order for pumpkins to grow and ripen well, they leave no more than two or three pumpkins on one bush. All other ties are removed.

The stems are pinched (about 50 cm after the ovary), excess shoots are removed. Also, to improve nutrition, powder the stems. What need to do? Gently straighten the pumpkin lashes, and sprinkle them with soil in several places. The stems will give roots that will additionally feed the bush.

pumpkin harvesting

Stop watering pumpkins two weeks before harvest. Also, if necessary, you can cover the plants with non-woven material.

The pumpkin is harvested starting from the end of August, but again, it all depends on the conditions of a particular area. Butternut squash does not tolerate even the slightest drop in temperature, so it is advisable to remove the fruits before possible cold snaps.

Pumpkins are removed only in dry weather, carefully cutting off the fruit with a pruner. The stalk is left, the “tail” is about 3-4 cm.

When harvesting, it is necessary to handle the fruits very carefully, trying not to damage the thin skin of the nutmeg pumpkin. Only fruits with a whole skin and a stalk with a “tail” will be stored for a long time.

This variety of pumpkin, under the right conditions, can perfectly "survive" until spring. The best temperature for storage is + 12ºC, although nutmeg lies well and at room temperature. Many believe that the longer this pumpkin is stored, the better and tastier the fruit pulp will be.

How to deal with diseases and pests of pumpkin

Sweet butternut squash is not only popular with people. If the rules for growing and crop rotation are not followed, the plants are affected by spider mites, as well as melon aphids.

Therefore it is necessary:

• plant plants according to the scheme, avoiding dense plantings;
• regularly weed the beds;
• loosen the earth.

If pests are found, you will have to use special preparations that are purchased in specialized stores. From folk remedies recommended:

• soap solution (200 grams of laundry soap shavings are taken for a bucket of water);
• infusion of wormwood.

Slugs, which usually appear on rainy and cool days, can cause great damage. It is effective to apply against them the treatment of plants with ash, tobacco dust, spray the plants with infusions of chamomile, wormwood, garlic.

Of the diseases, the most dangerous are:

• white rot (treatment with a solution of copper sulfate helps);
• bacteriosis (for prevention, treatment with copper chloride is used).

With white rot, you can also sleep the damaged areas with crushed charcoal, fluffy lime.

Butternut squash varieties

Breeders are working to develop new varieties of nutmeg pumpkin, and today a fairly large varietal diversity this vegetable.

Pearl (Pumpkin Muscat Pearl)

It is a medium-late variety, forms large fruits from 5 to 8 kg. Pumpkins have the shape of a rounded cylinder, the peel is orange when fully ripe. The pulp is juicy, amber hue. seed nest small size. The description of the variety will be incomplete if you do not add that many gardeners consider the Pearl the most delicious of all nutmeg pumpkins.

Marble

Mid-late variety, famous for its excellent taste. The fruits are large, round, slightly flattened. They can grow with good care up to 10 kg, on average - 5-6 kg. The color of the skin is greenish-gray, the flesh is orange, juicy. Marble pumpkin is grown in various regions of Russia.

Prikubanskaya

A fairly popular variety that stands out in a large number of nutmeg pumpkins due to its relative precocity. Before maturation, about 100-105 days pass from the germination period.

Pumpkin Prikubanskaya has cylindrical fruits, on average they weigh up to 3-4 kg. The pulp is orange, juicy, tasty.

To obtain good harvest You need to use quality seeds. Most productive varieties can be ordered on the official website "Gardens of Russia". Big choice varieties for every taste.

Muscat de Provence

Another amazing variety of nutmeg pumpkin, which stands out for its beautiful fruits with pronounced grooves.

Muscat Provence pumpkin belongs to the middle-late group of varieties; a period of almost 115 days is required before ripening. The skin, like the pulp, has an orange color, thin. This variety contains in fruits a record a large number of carotene, and is also resistant to many pumpkin diseases. Used to make juices and purees.

Marina from Chioggia (Mirani di Chioggia)

Pumpkin Marina from Kyoja impresses not only with excellent taste, but also with original appearance fruits. They have a rounded, slightly flattened shape, skin color - from gray to greenish-blue. Weight reaches 8-12 kg. The pulp is juicy, sweet, bright orange. The pulp of this pumpkin lacks the characteristic vegetable crops astringency. The fruits are used fresh, for the preparation of candied fruits, cakes, various desserts.

golden pear

An early ripe variety of nutmeg pumpkin, characterized by disease resistance, productivity and the ability to long-term storage fruits.

Pumpkins have an original teardrop shape, they are small in weight, up to 2-3 kg. The color of the skin is yellow, the flesh is orange, full-time, with a characteristic nutty aroma. The Golden Pear pumpkin is one of the new selections, but it has already proven itself among gardeners.

honey guitar

Large-fruited variety of nutmeg pumpkin, mid-late. Pumpkin varieties Honey guitar has the shape of a mace (see photo), the fruits reach a weight of up to 12-15 kg. The skin is grayish-brown, the flesh is orange. The taste is excellent, with a honey-watermelon aroma. The variety has a high yield, can be stored up to 10 months.

Augustine

One of the novelties of domestic selection is Augustine's pumpkin, which is distinguished by high yields and excellent taste.

The fruits are cylindrical in shape, outwardly very similar to zucchini. The peel is dark green, the flesh is yellowish, crispy. The seed nest is very small, located in the thickened part of the fruit.

In terms of storage - up to 100 days without loss of taste properties.

Vitamin

Pumpkin nutmeg Vitamin ripens in about 130 days, so growing seedlings is indispensable. The fruits have a mass of up to 7 kg, rounded, slightly flattened shape. The bark is yellowish, ribbing is noticeable on the surface.

Pumpkin Vitaminnaya is famous for its high palatability, great content in the pulp of sugars, as well as so much useful carotene.