Imagine the satisfaction of selecting the perfect pumpkin straight from your garden to prepare a meal for your family. You can easily grow your own pumpkin to impress your loved ones or even to generate an income from your produce. Experts share tips on how to grow this versatile veggie.
From preparing the soil, providing adequate water and nourishment, to protecting your pumpkin from pests and diseases, each step presents an opportunity to grow your own pumpkin in your garden.
According to Dikgang Molebatsi, an agronomist and crop scientist from North West, for pumpkins to thrive, you need to consider climate, soil requirements, land preparation, variety, and the cultivar.
Growing conditions
“Pumpkins thrive well in climates characterised by warm temperatures. The growing season of this crop is approximately 80 to 120 days, depending on the variety grown by the farmer. Regions that are commonly suitable for the successful growth of this crop include, but are not limited to, Mpumalanga and Limpopo,” says Molebatsi.
“They require well-drained soil with good fertility, with added compost. It is often seen in the local homes that pumpkins thrive so well where there is a rubbish pit, and this is because the rubbish area is often rich in organic matter.”
Molebatsi notes that before cultivating pumpkins, it is essential to clear the land of weeds, which are unwanted crops, plants, or grasses. Any rocks and debris should be cleared from the land before planting.
He also highlights that the farmer needs to choose from various pumpkin varieties. “In South Africa, Cucurbita maxima is the most widely grown species, and the varieties include but are not limited to, Queensland Blue and Gold Hubbard.”
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Optimal time to plant
In Mzansi, pumpkins thrive where there is optimal or abundant sunlight, characterised by moderate rainfall, explains Molebatsi.
“Generally, it is optimal to plant pumpkins early to mid-summer when soil temperatures range from at least 18 degrees Celsius to 22 degrees Celsius.
“Because of the region, it is advisable for a farmer to always notice the quality of their produce and consider the times when they are harvesting a good-quality crop, as that may be a peak time in their region.”
According to Molebatsi, water management can be a challenge when growing pumpkins, as South Africa is well known for its dry climatic conditions. “The farmer may need to consider water-saving techniques such as mulching to reduce evaporation and waste.
“Pest control is also a common challenge. Farmers need to be vigilant against pests such as aphids, mosaic viruses, and squash downy mildew. One of the ways to mitigate this is through an effective crop rotation programme.”
Agronomist Dikgang Molebatsi
After doing a gross margin analysis, farmer Thulani Magida from the Eastern Cape realised that pumpkin was relatively cheaper to produce but also ranked high in gross margin per ha.
“I have learned that in our cold area, our cut-off time is January 15 for the last pumpkin sowing. I saw it in February last season while trying to get some winter pumpkins, but due to the cold, I didn’t get any. Therefore, this season I have adjusted my planting dates to be within the growing period but closer to winter to have winter pumpkins in the market.”
For those who would like to grow their own pumpkins, Magida suggests choosing the right cultivars.
“There are cheaper cultivars out there, but they don’t give profitable yields. So rather, pay a little bit more to get the F1 hybrids, which yield higher yields. Also, follow a spray programme, especially a fungicide, because powdery mildew can have devastating effects on yields,” Magida advises.
“Lastly, do not skimp on fertiliser, especially your planting fertiliser. There is a direct link between yields and fertilisation.”
Farmer Thulani Magida
Challenges when growing pumpkin
Molebatsi says there are challenges home gardeners and farmers should be aware of.
“Pollination, which is not commonly noticed by farmers, is also one of the challenges. Many farmers experience poor fruit sets, and this is due to low pollination. The farmer should try hand-pollinating by gently transferring pollen from male to female flowers.”
“Storage, if not given careful consideration, could affect the harvested yield. Harvested pumpkins can be stored for long periods of time, provided the place is cool and airy. Farmers may consider shed roofs,” he explains.
Furthermore, he advises combining irrigation with fertiliser application to enhance nutrient uptake, especially in dry regions, because nutrient uptake is often poor in those regions due to high water losses from the soil.
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Additionally, he points out that most pumpkin varieties could take up a lot of space, so spacing should be considered.
“Measurements are often provided on seed packages or by the seed providers. Farmers should always conduct field and soil sampling before cultivating their crops to keep nutrient requirements in check.
“Additionally, I advise feeding your pumpkins with a slow-release organic fertiliser when flowers begin to form.”
Pabalelo Mere from North West grows native pumpkins as he believes they are vital and improve soil fertility.
“I plant my pumpkins using many ways but mostly hydroponics, distancing them a metre from each other to allow them space to grow. They are very environmentally friendly and germinate in a variety of soil types,” Mere says.
“It’s enjoyable to eat pumpkins from my own garden, as I am fully aware of the process from planting to the table. I also create African pots from them and make them native to consume them in their healthiest form, as they are indigenous and have a lot of traditional uses as well.”
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