Crookneck pumpkin

Short description of the species

Botanical name

Crookneck pumpkin

Latin name

Cucurbita moschata

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Exposure

sunny

Temperature requirement

not frost tolerant

Keeping

relatively easy

Water requirement

the most drought-resistant of all cucurbit crops, but responds very positively to irrigation

Soil requirement

medium heavy, rich in organic matter

Soil pH

6,0 – 7,5

Edible part

fruit

lightbulb

Interesting

It originated in the lowland areas of tropical and subtropical America (Peru, Guatemala), later it was domesticated in Mexico and the northern part of South America.

accessibility

Usage

Heat treated in the form of creamy soups, purees, sauces, stews, baked, grilled. Heat-treated flowers or young unripe fruits are also edible.

Agrotechnics of growing and harvesting 

Propagation

• generative 

Spacing

• 2.0 x 1.0 m 

Harwesting

• the leaves begin to dry on the plant and the fruits are at botanical maturity

Agricultural cultivation techniques 

• Cultivation agro-technique - bed method (directly into the soil)

Agrotechnika pestovania – z priesad (odrody na priamy konzum v poľných podmienkach)

Storage 

• fruits with stalks are stored for 90-180 days at a temperature of 8-13 °C and air humidity of 70-75% 

Usage

• heat-treated flesh of fruits in botanical maturity in the form of creamy soups, purees, sauces, stews, baked, grilled, in the form of compote or various sweet dishes. Heat-treated flowers or young unripe fruits are also edible.

Diseases and pests 

• fungal diseases: cucumber powdery mildew (Golovinomyces cichoracearum)