Pumpkin is a versatile ingredient in Indian kitchens, used in various traditional dishes. Its sweet, earthy flavour makes it suitable for both savoury and sweet preparations. Commonly, pumpkin is cooked in curries, often paired with spices such as cumin and turmeric. It is also used to make comforting dishes such as Kaddu Ki Sabzi and Pumpkin Halwa, a delicious dessert made with grated pumpkin, milk, sugar, and nuts. Additionally, pumpkin seeds are roasted for snacks and added to salads for crunch.
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Health-wise, pumpkin is a powerhouse of nutrients. It is low in calories but high in fibre, making it excellent for digestive health. It has antioxidants and pumpkin seeds are a good source of healthy fats, protein, and minerals like magnesium, which contribute to heart health. Incorporating pumpkin into the diet can be tasty, easy to cook and have numerous health benefits and makes it a staple ingredient in many Indian households.
Before you start planting, it’s essential to select the right variety of pumpkin suitable for your region and climate. Common varieties include Desi Pumpkin (Kaddu) which often used in traditional Indian dishes, it has a sweet flavour and a vibrant orange colour and Butternut Squash, known for its sweet, nutty taste, it’s excellent for soups and pies.
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Pumpkins thrive in warm temperatures, ideally between 20°C to 30°C. They require full sun for at least 6-8 hours a day. Pumpkins need sandy loam or loamy soil. Loosen the soil to a depth of about 12-15 inches to ensure good drainage and root growth. Add well-rotted compost or farmyard manure into the soil to enhance fertility.
Planting The Seeds
In India, the best time to plant pumpkins is during the pre-monsoon or post-monsoon season, which typically falls between March to April and September to October. Sow seeds directly into the garden bed or raised beds. Plant seeds about 1-2 inches deep, spacing them 2-3 feet apart to allow for sprawling growth.
Caring For The Pumpkin Plant
Pumpkins require consistent moisture, especially during germination and fruit development. Water the plants deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. Mulching with straw or grass clippings can help retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
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Pumpkins are heavy feeders and benefit from regular fertilisation. Incorporate a balanced fertiliser into the soil at the time of planting. Pumpkins can be susceptible to various pests and diseases. Aphids can be controlled by introducing ladybugs or spraying neem oil. For squash bugs handpick and remove them or use insecticidal soap. Use fungicides if necessary and practice crop rotation.
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As pumpkins grow, their vines can spread over a large area. You may choose to support the fruit on trellises or allow them to sprawl on the ground. If using a trellis, ensure its sturdy enough to hold the weight of the developing pumpkins. For ground-growing pumpkins, consider placing straw or cardboard under the fruit to keep it off the soil, preventing rot.
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Harvesting Pumpkins
Pumpkins are generally ready to harvest when the skin is hard and can’t be easily punctured with a fingernail. The colour usually fully develops to orange or yellow, depending on the variety. The stem begins to dry out and turns brown. Use a sharp knife to cut the pumpkin from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached to prolong storage. Store harvested pumpkins in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. Properly cured pumpkins can last for several months. Avoid stacking them to prevent bruising.