Introduction
Pumpkins just like all the major foods in the world can be grown in all areas of the earth provided there are the right temperatures and plenty of water. They are most abundantly grown in the Pacific Northwest, which is semi-arid, has a temperate oceanic climate, and is quite favorable for the growth of pumpkins (Easton & Hartlage, p. 99). The crop flourishes well when grown on refuse heaps that have abundant organic matter. In the urban setup, the plant can be grown together with maize in the backyard gardens. In open fields, pumpkins can be intercropped with maize, sorghum, and groundnuts to help in boosting nutrient uptake (Easton & Hartlage, p. 104).
The optimal growth conditions of pumpkins include; temperate oceanic climate, sunny conditions, warm soil of PH ranging from six to seven, and temperature of between sixty to seventy degrees Fahrenheit. The seedling of a pumpkin cannot sprout in cold soil because frost kills and destroys it. Therefore, warm soil is preferred for pumpkins to grow and flourish (Easton & Hartlage, p. 109).
Pumpkins have a thick outer cover. Their seeds and pulp are found inside the fruit. French used to refer to it as pompon while the British called it campion. Later in years, the American colonialists resorted to the currently used name pumpkin. Cucurbita maxima are the largest species of pumpkin weighing 34 kg on average and originating from South Africa (Langevin, p. 79).
Cultivation
The methods of cultivation vary from one region to another. In some places, you may find that they are grown in heated glasshouses (Langevin, p. 83). They require less heat for them to grow effectively. For a farmer to increase his yields it is good for him to increase irrigation water level. Its water range lies between normal to moist. Normal watering is better for outdoor plants. The soil should be evenly moist.
Growing and harvesting
In the U.S, immigrant population of Hispanic and Asians grows and harvests pumpkins. To them pumpkin has become a favorite vegetable as per their traditional habits. Most of the areas that have greatly benefited from pumpkin growing is Northwestern United States. This is because there is a growing demand in the American market (Langevin, p. 86).
Marketing and selling
Most pumpkins are used for ornamental purposes with the most market demand during the Halloween season. They can either market their produce through Marketing options roadside stands, home retailers, extensive markets, grower-marketing links, community based farming and U-pick. Higher and more stable prices can be expected from direct sale or even pumpkin festival sales. In some cases, smaller growers can assist in supplying the larger festival market grower to obtain prices that may be higher than wholesale. Smaller growers can also consider joint marketing efforts to attract wholesale buyers. Larger producers and those who do not have time for direct sales will need to find wholesale buyers or sell directly to supermarkets.
Economic importance of pumpkins
It is among the family of healthy foods with 96% water, little fiber and few calories. It is also a good source of vitamin A, K, and C, as well as a large amount of potassium (Easton & Hartlage).
Pumpkins are used for medicinal purposes. The National cancer institute has identified certain properties of pumpkin as having cancer preventive benefits.
In North America pumpkins are used as ornamental beacon during Hallowen. Pumpkin growing has led to the creation of an association called Pacific Northwest Giant Pumpkin Growers (PNWGPG).This association promotes games and festivals related to giant pumpkin. Pumpkin has high commercial value in America, China, India and other countries in the world (Langevin 102).
Works Cited
- Easton, Valerie and Hartlage, Richard. Plant Life: Growing a Garden in the Pacific Northwest. Seattle. Sasquatch Books.2001. pp. 96-130.
- Langevin, Don. How-to-grow world-class giant pumpkins. Madrid. Davis Annedawn. 2009. pp. 76-103.