During autumn the beauty of the season is displayed in the brilliant hues of falling leaves, festive holiday decorations, and the arrival of the famous miniature pumpkin! Growing miniature pumpkins is as easy as pumpkin pie! The following information will help to guide you through the process of caring for and harvesting your own little pieces of fall.
When planting miniature pumpkin seeds in northern regions it is best to do so between the months of late May and mid-June since the growing season is typically shorter. In southern areas where the growing season tends to be longer the best time to plant is between late April and July. Miniature pumpkins reach maturity in approximately 90 to 100 days (3 to 4 months) give or take a few days. Harvest time typically occurs between late September and early October. Just in time for the holidays! But beware…planting your miniature pumpkin seeds at the wrong time can result in a crop coming in too early or too late for these festive occasions.
Miniature pumpkin seeds should be planted outside after the last frost has left the area. If frost is still a concern make sure the plants are covered during cold nights to prevent weather damage to your plants. Obtain appropriate sized pots for your miniature pumpkin plants when starting them indoors. It is important that they are exposed to as much direct sunlight as possible. Once the seedling has grown tall and the roots are visibly protruding from the bottom of the pot it is time to move them outdoors for planting.
It is highly recommended that one week before planting them outdoors that the plants be set outside during the day and brought in during the evening hours. This will allow the plants an adjustment period in terms of their new external environmental conditions. Again, make sure to plant them after the last frost whenever possible but do not wait too long.
Plant the miniature pumpkin plants in an area that receives a large amount of direct sunlight. This is essential for them to grow into nice, healthy, and colorful little pumpkins. Each plant produces between 8 and 10 pumpkins. To save space consider training your miniature pumpkin plants up a trellis or fence. This is done by wrapping the vine around these structures throughout the growing process.
When planting the miniature pumpkins outside place them in rows that are spaced 6 to 8 feet apart. Drop 2 to 3 seeds one inch into the ground every 2 to 3 feet in each row. Thin the plants as necessary allowing the stronger, healthier ones to survive and thrive. Miniature pumpkin plants require very rich soil. Make certain to mix ample amounts of compost, glass clippings, leaves, and manure into the soil prior to planting. Fertilize the ground around the plants every few weeks and check on them daily.
The miniature pumpkin plant has several enemies. These include insects, fungus, and larger animals. In regards to insects the most notable threats are Squash bugs, Squash borers, and Cucumber beetles. In terms of fungus, powdery mildew which specifically affects the leaves is a common threat. Larger animals such as rabbits, squirrels, chipmunks, and deer find these plants irresistible as they munch away on these tasty little plants.
To keep the larger animals away pepper and garlic sprays have proven effective as deterrents. Placing wire or fencing around them may also serve to protect the plant but squirrels and other small rodents are wily so be wary of their tricky nature. When using insecticides and fungicides the ideal time to apply them is in late afternoon or early evening once the blossoms have closed. The reason for this is that these plants rely upon bees to pollinate them. If the bees land on open blossoms that contain insecticides it will kill them and the flowers will not be pollinated which is necessary in order for the pumpkin fruits to grow. The result will be unhealthy plants lacking in miniature pumpkins.
Miniature pumpkins are ready to harvest when they are a healthy orange color with a hard rind. The stem will be brown and a bit withered. When removing the pumpkins from the vine take care not to damage the stem which could lead to early rotting. Make a clean cut along the stem and handle your pumpkins carefully.
Miniature pumpkins can serve many purposes. Transformed into candle holders by carving out a hole in the top, adding to centerpiece displays, or utilizing them as small serving dishes are but a few decorative examples. Mini-pumpkins are excellent when turned into purees, soups, or pies. With so many possibilities it is no wonder that miniature pumpkins are a common and welcomed addition to fall season décor. Happy gardening!
Sources:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4874067_grow-mini-pumpkins.html
http://davesgarden.com/guides/articles/view/1858/
http://www.pumpkinpatchesandmore.org/growingpumpkins.php
