Sementeira
Sow in the final location or in a tray, transplanting when seedlings are about 10 cm tall.
A robust, substantial squash with striking garden presence — flattened, round and ribbed, with a cream rind and vivid orange flesh.
About the variety. A vigorous-growing variety producing fruits weighing between 2 and 4 kg. Ripening is slow; it is advisable to wait until the rind turns ochre-brown before harvesting. Fruits can continue to ripen after harvest. The flowers are edible and the plant attracts pollinators.
Itinerário técnico
Um guia de cultivo passo a passo, da sementeira à colheita.
Sow in the final location or in a tray, transplanting when seedlings are about 10 cm tall.
Fertile, loamy soils with good drainage are recommended for this crop. Soil pH should be between 6.5 and 7.0
It is a crop that thrives in warm conditions, with the 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 time should be at least 20°C.
It is a nitrogen-demanding crop, so well-composted organic matter should be incorporated into the soil before planting.
Irrigation is essential during flowering, pollination and fruit development, and water volumes should be gradually reduced as the fruit approaches maturity. Drip irrigation is therefore a good option for this crop, as it accommodates the varying water requirements throughout the growing cycle while keeping foliage dry (which helps prevent the onset of disease).
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.
Mites and thrips are the main pests of this crop. Mite control can be achieved through biological control with predatory mites and the application of azadirachtin and sulphur dust (if temperature < 28°C). Thrips control is carried out by using border plants that support anthocorid beneficial insects (marigolds and other composites) and through biological control with predatory mites and anthocorids.
Fusarium wilt and downy mildew are diseases affecting this crop. To control fusarium wilt, appropriate crop rotations, biofumigation and soil solarization 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.