Nutmeg pumpkins can reach a weight of up to 40 kilograms with the right care. We'll show you what's important.
Pumpkins are among the low-maintenance and undemanding plants, as is of course the nutmeg pumpkin. Once it sprouts, you don't have to do a lot of maintenance. Even with inexperienced gardeners it thrives very well.
The best part is that for the little effort you put in, you're often rewarded with a plentiful harvest. But the pumpkins are not small, they can reach a weight of gigantic 40 kg - per pumpkin, of course.
However, it is not possible without care or, better said, a little care.
4 care tips for the nutmeg squash
Water the nutmeg - do it right
Without sufficient water supply, your nutmeg will not develop magnificent fruits. Therefore, water every day and make sure that the soil does not dry out.
When watering, however, mistakes like to creep in. The nutmeg - like squash plants in general - has delicate leaves that begin to rot easily. It is therefore not advisable to hold the garden hose over the pumpkin and water it that way. It is better to moisten the soil directly around the pumpkin plant.
» Tip: Watering aids such as buried clay flower pots are ideal for the nutmeg pumpkin. You can also bridge a longer absence by sticking a water bottle upside down next to the plant in the ground and filling it with water. The water is now slowly seeping into the ground.
Cut off large leaves and support the squash
Large leaves may look magnificent, but sap the nutmeg's strength. Therefore, cut off particularly large leaves so that the plant can put all its energy into fruit formation. The chance of a large fruit yield is a lot better.
Warning: If the fruits get big, they often hang close to the ground or lie directly on the ground. Now the problem arises that the pumpkin can rot. You can prevent this by placing a board or stone under the fruit.
Danger to nutmeg from slugs
Unfortunately, pumpkin plants have predators. Snails appreciate the large leaves and often attack the pumpkins. Check the bed regularly for snail infestation and collect the pests. Snail fences prevent the animals from getting anywhere near the pumpkin.
Chemical control agents are only suitable to a limited extent. After all, you want to enjoy the nutmeg. If you use chemical insecticides, the pumpkin plant can absorb the poison and transfer it to the fruit. The pumpkin would be so inedible.
Aphids on nutmeg
Occasionally, aphids attack nutmeg squash plants. The pests hardly cause any damage to strong plants, young plants should be hosed down so that the lice cannot gain a hold. Natural remedies that help against both lice and fungus are:
- Brew the garlic cloves into a tea and pour the brew into a spray bottle. Regularly spray the plant with the broth.
- Milk helps against powdery mildew. Use the 1:8 ratio (eight parts milk) and spray the mixture onto the plant. However, the home remedy is not suitable in the sun or in hot temperatures.