The tasty and very he althy Hokkaido pumpkin has been very popular with us for around 20 years. It has surpassed many local pumpkin varieties and can also be used in many different ways. Find out how you can grow this speci alty in your garden.
How to care for Hokkaido pumpkin plants in the garden?
Hokkaido pumpkin plants thrive best in loose, nutrient-rich soil with plenty of sunlight. They should be planted about one square meter apart and watered regularly. The harvest usually takes place between September and November.
Where does the delicious pumpkin actually come from?
The Hokkaido pumpkin originally comes from Japan, more precisely: from the Japanese island of “Hokkaido”. However, you will not find this type of pumpkin in Japan under the name “Hokkaido”, because there it is called “Uchiki Kuri”.
Can the Hokkaido pumpkin also be grown in Europe?
Since the climate on the Japanese island of Hokkaido is quite similar to that in Central Europe, the colorful Hokkaido pumpkin also thrives in our latitudes. By the way, the variety is very productive and can be stored well after harvest.
Where can I get Hokkaido pumpkin seeds?
You can now get Hokkaido pumpkin seeds in any well-stocked gardening store. However, you can also dry the seeds from purchased pumpkins and use them for sowing.
How are the small plants grown?
Hokkaido pumpkins should be grown on the windowsill or in the greenhouse from around the beginning to mid-March. The best way to do this is to use potting soil and cover the seeds loosely with a layer of substrate. Keep the soil moist but not wet.
When can I plant the plants outdoors?
The plants can go outdoors as soon as night frosts are no longer expected. Like almost all winter squashes, Hokkaido's cold tolerates it very poorly.
At what distance should the plants be planted?
You will achieve the best yield if you plant a total of eight plants per square meter: Hokkaido pumpkins do not grow large at a maximum of two kilograms, but are usually about the size of a grapefruit. However, the more space a plant has, the larger the fruits become.
What is ideal Hokkaido soil like?
Ideal Hokkaido soil is loose, nutrient-rich and rich in nitrogen. To do this, plenty of stable manure should be worked into the soil in the previous year. In the spring you need to work the soil deeply, i.e. H. dig properly.
Which location is suitable?
Hokkaido pumpkin, like all pumpkins, loves the blazing sun.
How often do you need to fertilize and water?
Water your plants regularly, especially once the fruit begins to grow. However, you only need to fertilize a little. By the way, pumpkins respond very well to nettle manure.
When can I harvest?
It takes quite a long time from sowing to harvest: Hokkaido pumpkins are usually only harvested between September and November.
Good and bad neighbors
You should plant different types of pumpkin separately if possible, as they can cross-pollinate. Hokkaido pumpkins (just like other winter squashes) harmonize excellently with corn and beans. Plant them together in a bed in the style of the South American natives.
Tips & Tricks
Snails love young pumpkin plants. When planting the young plants in the bed, place a glass over each one so that the pests have no chance of getting to it.