Pumpkin is a well-known herbaceous plant that falls under the plant genus namely; ‘Cucurbita’, which is positioned under the family ‘Cucurbitaceae’. Some of the major highly cultivated species of pumpkin include Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita mixta, and Cucurbita maxima. The differences between species are often small genetical differences and at the same time, the species can cross-fertilize. Pumpkin fruits are globular in structure with orange to orange-greenish in color
Pumpkin has its evolution in the soils of North America. Pumpkins generally prefer temperate, sunny conditions for growth and are commonly grown in Pacific North America. The Northwestern United States has a semi-arid, temperate oceanic climate which is quite favorable for the growth of pumpkins. Pumpkins reproduce by seeds. The seedling of a pumpkin cannot sprout in cold soil as frost kills and destroys it. Therefore, warm soil is a must for pumpkins to grow and flourish. Pumpkin prefers to grow in soil that has an approximate pH ranging from 6 to 7 and a temperature roughly between sixty to seventy degrees Fahrenheit. “It is important to grow pumpkins in well-draining soil with plenty of organic material mixed in. Good sandy loam soil is appropriate and adding organic compost to the soil will guarantee healthy, well-draining soil” (Preparing your Garden). Pumpkin seeds are usually planted on small heaps of soil that are one to two inches deep, with each heap at a distance of approximately four to six feet from one another. As pumpkin requires a lot of nourishment, weeds and other crops should not be allowed to grow around it. “Pumpkins prefer soil that is not too wet so water them infrequently but at the same time, each watering should be good and deep soaking one. Plastic and organic mulches can be very useful when growing pumpkins to reduce weeds and to make full use of the watering “ (How Much to Water Pumpkins ).
Magnesium, Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and Carotenoids are extracted from pumpkin to produce medicinal tablets. Pumpkin seed oil is also commercially available used for cooking purposes. Pureed pumpkin is commercially available in cans which can be used in making pumpkin pie. “Traditionally in folk medicine, the remedies made from pumpkin were used in treatments of disorders such as kidney inflammation and to eliminate intestinal parasites. Disorders of the prostate gland, as well as problems such as an irritable bladder, are treated using pumpkin seeds these days, the greatest use being in the treatment of prostatic hyperplasia” (Pumpkin Cucurbita pepo: Uses ). In North America, pumpkins are used as an ornamental beacon during Halloween and are now mostly referred to as the symbol of Halloween. In the United States, a popular competition game called ‘Pumpkin chunking’ takes place during the autumn season. Competitions are also held to find the heaviest and biggest pumpkins that have been cultivated across North America. The Pacific Northwest Giant Pumpkin Growers (PNWGPG) is an association that promotes games and festivals related to giant pumpkins. The growing immigrant population of Hispanics and Asians in the U.S has lead to a significant rise in the economic importance of pumpkin in the American market. For these immigrants, pumpkin is a favorite vegetable as per their traditional food habits. The Northwestern United States has greatly benefited from the growing demand for pumpkins in the American market. This is mainly due to the fact that the climatic conditions in the North-Western U.S. are appropriate for the cultivation of pumpkin.
Pumpkin is grown across the world on almost all the continents; except Antarctica due to its climatic conditions. According to statistics, about 1.5 billion pounds of pumpkin is commercially available in America per year and it is increasing every year due to the exceptional rise in demand.
References
How Much to Water Pumpkins. Pumpkin Growing Tips. 2005. Web.
Preparing your Garden. Pumpkin Growing Tips. 2005. Web.
Pumpkin Cucurbita pepo: Uses. Herbs 2000.com. 2010. Web.