The nutmeg pumpkin is one of the most popular squash. Its cultivation is not particularly difficult and it does not require much maintenance.
Although pumpkins are often more associated with America and Halloween, they have been known to us for many hundreds of years. New varieties developed over the centuries, including nutmeg pumpkin. It has firm flesh and a tangy taste. In addition, there are hardly any seeds and the skin is also significantly softer than other varieties. This has the advantage that you have less waste with the nutmeg but more pulp.
But the best thing is that you can easily grow it in the garden and you hardly have to worry about maintenance.
Cultivation and Care of Nutmeg Squash
» Location for the Nutmeg Squash
The place where the nutmeg grows is one of the most important factors. In principle, the pumpkin can thrive on almost any soil, but it prefers loose soil. If the soil is rich in nutrients, the fruits often grow larger. A great way to top up the soil with compost is to improve nutrient levels.
The pumpkin grows very well in the sun or in a partially shaded place. Such a location guarantees the warmth it needs, as the nutmeg squash longs for pleasant temperatures.
» Important: Like all pumpkin plants, the nutmeg is sensitive to frost. The sowing therefore only begins after the ice saints.
The nutmeg squash thrives particularly well at temperatures above 12 degrees Celsius. With young plants, you can help a little on cool days by placing a translucent film over the plant.
» Sowing the nutmeg pumpkin
You have the choice: You can first sow the pumpkin seeds in a pot and grow the young plants a little before planting them outdoors, or alternatively you can plant the seeds directly in the garden.
The best way to sow is as follows:
- Prick small holes in the ground with your finger.
- Place up to three seeds in each hole. If several seeds germinate, only the strongest plant will survive.
- Waituntil the plant has grown and then prune it.
- Remove excess flowers once fruiting bodies have formed.
- Leave only three fruiting bodies if possible so that the pumpkins grow big.
The pumpkin plant grows quite large. It therefore makes sense to ensure sufficient planting distance when sowing. There should be at least fifty centimeters between the individual seeds.
» Caring for the Nutmeg Squash
The most important factor in caring for the pumpkin is watering. The soil must never dry out, but the pumpkin does not like waterlogging. If possible, always water directly at the bottom and avoid getting the leaves wet. To prevent the growing pumpkin from rotting from underneath, place it on a board or rock and make sure it doesn't touch the ground.