No garden but keen to grow pumpkins? Then simply grow the pumpkins in a pot on the balcony. Here you can find out how this ambitious project can be easily achieved.
How to plant pumpkins in a pot?
Pumpkins can be grown successfully in containers by first growing the seeds in pots at a germination temperature of 25 degrees Celsius. Then move the pumpkin plants into a pot of at least 60 to 90 liters with nutrient-rich, compost-based vegetable soil and add a trellis or trellis. Place the potted pumpkin in a sunny location on the balcony.
Sowing behind glass for the perfect start to the season
The pumpkin plants that need warmth are only allowed out into the fresh air from mid/late May. Growing them indoors is therefore recommended so that the plants start the season with a beneficial growth lead. The fresher the seeds, the shorter the germination time.
- Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 1 day
- Insert individually in seed soil in the 6 cm pot
- alternatively plant 3 seeds in each 9 cm pot
- moisten with water from the hand sprayer and cover with foil
An exemplary germination temperature hovers around 25 degrees Celsius. In this case, the germination period does not take more than 1 week. In the bright window seat with slightly cooler temperatures of around 18 degrees Celsius, growth progresses quickly. A cover is no longer required.
Pumpkin in a large bucket brings a rich harvest
Within 3 to 4 weeks after sowing, the seedlings present several pairs of leaves above the cotyledons. You are now ready to move to the balcony. Wait for the Ice Saints before planting a pumpkin in the pot.
A pot with a volume of at least 60 to 90 liters is suitable. Either a trellis is already integrated here or you can add a trellis later. As a substrate, you should give preference to nutritious compost-based vegetable soil.
- Create a drainage above the floor opening made of potsherds, gravel or pieces of Styrofoam
- spread an air and water permeable fleece over it
- fill in the substrate and plant the strongest pumpkin plant
- Last but not least, pour generously
Place the pot on a plant roller so that it is easy to maneuver. First, the plant should be hardened off in a protected, partially shaded place on the balcony for about 8 days. The pot then takes its final location with many hours of sunshine.
Tips & Tricks
Small pumpkin varieties such as 'Baby Bear', 'Patisson', 'Acorn Pumpkin' or 'Little Sweet' are ideal for pot cultivation.