Until a few years ago, pumpkins were still considered poor people's food. These versatile berries can now even be found on the menus of fine cousine restaurants. In particular, the Hokkaido pumpkin, which not only tastes particularly aromatic and doesn't even need to be peeled, is responsible for this triumph. If you have a garden, it's worth growing the autumn superfood yourself. We'll tell you how to do it.
How to properly plant and harvest Hokkaido pumpkins?
To plant Hokkaido pumpkins, sow the seeds directly outdoors after the Ice Saints or grow them indoors. Make sure you have a sunny location, nutrient-rich soil and sufficient watering. Pumpkins can be stored for up to six months.
Location and soil
The cultivated forms of this pumpkin come to us from the Japanese island of Hokkaido. The plants find the optimal conditions on the fertile soils of the island. In our latitudes, heavy feeders are often placed near the compost heap, where they benefit from the nutrient-rich seepage water. The location should also be sunny and somewhat sheltered.
Sowing and planting
You can sow the pumpkins directly outdoors after the Ice Saints or plant them indoors. Proceed as follows:
- Fill the growing pot with a soil-sand mixture or special growing soil (€6.00 on Amazon).
- Press seeds lightly into the substrate.
- Pour carefully and cover with a transparent cap.
- Keep evenly moist but not too wet.
- The germination time is about eight days.
- As soon as the plants are about five centimeters high, prick out.
When planting outdoors in mid-May to early June, you should maintain a minimum distance of one meter. This means that the hungry plants do not compete for water and nutrients and produce more fruit.
Care and fertilization
As soon as the first small fruits form, the Hokkaidos have an increased water requirement. However, be sure to water specifically and not on the leaves, as this increases the risk of powdery mildew. Otherwise, you can safely let the pumpkins grow and not have to worry about them much.
So that the larger fruits are not affected by rot, it is recommended to place a layer of straw underneath them.
Good and bad neighbors
Pumpkins thrive better if you grow them near sunflowers or sweet corn, because these plants provide light shade. However, the Hokkaido feels less comfortable around potatoes.
Tip
Hokkaidos are ripe when you can no longer score the skin with your fingernail. If you knock on the pumpkin, it sounds hollow. The color is then very strong and the stems look woody. You can store the pumpkins at 10 to 15 degrees for up to six months.
