Pumpkin is one of the most beloved crops among Ukrainian gardeners. It is valued for its hardiness, nutritional value, and long storage capability. However, to get a large and high-quality harvest, it’s important to choose the right planting time, prepare the soil properly, and follow agrotechnical recommendations. In this article, Baltimore Chronicle’ll explore how and when to plant pumpkin to grow juicy and tasty fruits.
Best Time to Plant Pumpkin in Ukraine
Pumpkin is a heat-loving plant that does not tolerate frost. Therefore, proper timing is crucial for success.
In most regions of Ukraine, planting pumpkin in open ground is possible from mid to late May, when the soil temperature at a depth of 10 cm reaches at least 12–14°C. In southern areas, planting can begin in early May, while in the north, it’s better to wait until early June.
Monitoring the Weather and the Folk Calendar
- No nighttime frosts
- Consistent warming over several days
- Favorable dates according to the lunar calendar (e.g., second or third phase of the moon)
Choosing a Plot for Pumpkin
Pumpkin requires space, warmth, and lots of sunlight. To grow large fruits, consider the following:
- A well-lit area with no shade
- No waterlogging (pumpkin dislikes excess moisture)
- Protection from strong winds
An ideal option is a plot where legumes, cabbage, or potatoes were previously grown. Avoid planting pumpkins after cucumbers or other gourds.
Soil Type
Light, fertile soil with neutral or slightly alkaline pH is best. If the soil is heavy, add sand and compost.
Soil Preparation Before Planting
Soil for pumpkin should be prepared in autumn. In autumn or spring, dig over the area and apply organic fertilizers.
Recommended actions:
- Dig to a depth of 25–30 cm
- Add compost or humus (up to 5 kg per m²)
- Optionally add wood ash or superphosphate
Spring Preparation:
- Loosening the soil
- Removing weeds
- Forming holes or beds at 1–1.5 m intervals
How to Plant Pumpkin: Seeds or Seedlings?
Sowing seeds is the most common method. However, in regions with a short summer, it’s advisable to use seedlings to accelerate the harvest.
Option 1: Sowing Seeds in Open Ground
- Soak seeds for 12 hours in warm water or growth stimulant
- Warm the soil to 12–14°C
- Plant 2–3 seeds per hole
- Planting depth — 5–6 cm
After germination, leave the strongest plant.
Option 2: Seedling Method
- Sow seeds in peat pots 20–25 days before transplanting
- Germination temperature — 22–25°C
- Transplant into open ground in mid to late May
Pumpkin Care After Planting
Proper care involves more than just watering. Pumpkin needs attention throughout all growth stages.
Key Activities:
- Watering — once every 7–10 days, deeply, at the root
- Loosening soil after rain
- Thinning shoots
- Mulching — to retain moisture
- Fertilizing with organic matter (manure, compost)
Vine Management
When growing pumpkin in limited space, cut back vines, leaving 2–3 fruits. This promotes larger fruit size.
Common Mistakes When Growing Pumpkin
To avoid crop loss, it’s essential to know what not to do.
- Excessive watering — causes root rot
- Planting too early — damage from frost
- Dense planting — poor light access, low yield
- No fertilizing — small fruits
- Late harvesting — loss of taste and quality
Popular Pumpkin Varieties in Ukraine
Choosing the right variety is half the success. Both culinary and ornamental types grow well in Ukraine.
| Variety Name | Maturity Time | Features |
|---|---|---|
| Ukrainian Multipurpose | 110–120 days | Large fruits, sweet flesh |
| Atlant | 130 days | Up to 20 kg, ideal for processing |
| Candy | 90–100 days | Very sweet, compact bush |
| Amazonka | 95 days | Disease resistant, early ripening |
| Hilea | 100 days | Good for dietary use |
When to Harvest Pumpkin and How to Store It
Pumpkins are harvested in dry weather when the stem becomes woody and the skin hardens. Don’t wait for the first frost — it affects quality.
Storage Conditions:
- Temperature 10–15°C
- Dry, well-ventilated room
- Keep a 5–7 cm stem on each fruit
Harvested pumpkins can be stored up to 6 months, maintaining taste and nutritional value.
Earlier we wrote about when to plant strawberries in spring for a bountiful harvest.