Jack O'Lantern Pumpkin

The quintessential orange pumpkin — large, round and perfect for carving at Halloween, but equally versatile in the kitchen.

About the variety. Elliptical fruits with bright orange skin, weighing around 3 kg. The flowers are edible and attract pollinators. After harvest, the pumpkin keeps well for approximately 4 months.

€1,50

Itinerário técnico

Como cultivar jack o'lantern pumpkin?

Um guia de cultivo passo a passo, da sementeira à colheita.

pH ideal 6.5 and 7.0Temperatura ideal 22 and 32°C

Sementeira

Sown directly in the final location or in a seed tray with subsequent transplanting when the plants are about 10 cm tall.

Solo

Fertile, loamy and well-drained soils are recommended for this crop. Soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.0

Clima

This is a crop that thrives in warm conditions, with an ideal temperature for growth and fruit set between 22 and 32°C, and night temperatures that do not normally drop below 20°C, as temperatures below this value lead to poor pollen tube growth. Soil temperature at sowing should be at least 20°C.

Fertilização

This crop has high nitrogen demands, so well-composted organic matter should be incorporated into the soil before planting.

Rega

Irrigation is essential during flowering, pollination and fruit growth, and water volumes should be gradually reduced as the fruit approaches maturity. For this reason, drip irrigation is a good option for this crop, as it adapts to the varying water requirements throughout the cycle and avoids wetting the leaves (which can lead to the development of diseases).

Controlo de Infestantes

Mechanical control in the early stages of the crop cycle and mulching with organic materials or plastic are options that help prevent competition between weeds and the crop.

Controlo de Pragas

Mites and thrips are common pests of this crop. Mite control can be achieved through biological control with predatory mites and the application of azadirachtin and dusting sulfur (if temperature < 28°C). Thrips control is carried out by using border plants that attract anthocorid beneficial insects (marigolds and other composites) and through biological control with predatory mites and anthocorids.

Doenças

Fusarium wilt and downy mildew are diseases of this crop. To control fusarium wilt, appropriate crop rotations, biofumigation and soil solarisation should be carried out. For downy mildew control, suitable crop rotations, improvements to soil structure and permeability (avoiding waterlogging), the use of wide plant spacing and the application of copper-based fungicides are recommended.