Ornamental pumpkin varieties offer a stunning range of shapes and colors, including UFO, Zebra, Microphone, Flower Face, Golden Egg, Silver Egg, Wuzhishan, Golden Boy, Jade Woman, Incense Burner, White Jade, Gold Apple, Small Wall Clock, Little Green, Little Yellow, Small Pillow, and Small Gourds. For the best visual impact, growers are encouraged to purchase mixed seeds and plant them together. This approach not only enhances the diversity of the garden but also creates a more vibrant and eye-catching display with a variety of flower types.
When it comes to planting time and methods, ornamental pumpkins prefer cooler temperatures, ideally around 25°C. They are best sown in spring (February to March) or autumn (July to August). In spring, care should be taken to protect young seedlings from cold weather. Transplanting is done when the plants have 2 to 4 true leaves. A double-row planting method is recommended, with a spacing of about 50 cm between plants, allowing for approximately 1,200 to 1,500 plants per acre. These pumpkins are typically vine-growing, with very few side vines, making them ideal for vertical cultivation using trellises or wall systems. Greenhouses, shade houses, or open fields can all be used depending on the grower's preference.
For seedling preparation, it's advisable to use nutrient-rich soil due to the high cost of ornamental pumpkin seeds. The soil mix should consist of 5 parts disease-free compost, 2 parts well-decomposed poultry manure, and 12 parts coal ash. Additionally, adding 2 kg of compound fertilizer per cubic meter of soil, after mixing, sifting, and disinfecting, will provide the best growing conditions. It’s important to control watering and temperature during this stage to prevent leggy growth.
Soil preparation involves deep plowing and applying a full base fertilizer before planting. Typically, 4,200 kg of high-quality organic manure, 50 kg of ternary compound fertilizer, and 40 kg of calcium magnesium phosphate are applied per mu. After thorough mixing, the soil is ready for planting.
Seedlings can be transplanted once they have two leaves and one heart. Planting is done in two rows with 40–50 cm spacing between plants. After planting, the roots should be watered thoroughly to help them establish quickly.
Post-planting management includes using stakes or trellises when the plants reach 30 cm in height, guiding the vines vertically. Removing lateral buds ensures that only the main vines develop. In indoor settings, artificial pollination may be necessary. Water and fertilizer management follows standard pumpkin practices, but attention must be paid to avoid excessive legginess.
Lastly, since ornamental pumpkins are grown primarily for their visual appeal, they should be harvested before they fully mature. If left to ripen completely, they lose their ornamental value quickly and cannot be stored for long periods—unlike traditional pumpkins, which can last over six months. Harvesting early ensures the pumpkins retain their vibrant color and shape for decorative purposes.
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