Sementeira
Sow in the final location or in a tray, transplanting when seedlings reach about 10 cm.
A pumpkin with an unmistakable look: flat, red-orange and with intensely orange flesh — as beautiful in the garden as on the table.
About the variety. Rouge Vif d'Étampes is a traditional, early-maturing variety with large, flat fruits weighing 2–7 kg (average around 5 kg). The flowers are edible and attractive to bees. Equally prized as an autumn decoration and in the kitchen.
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 reach about 10 cm.
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 lower temperatures 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; water doses 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 growing cycle and keeps water off the leaves (which could otherwise promote the development of diseases).
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 common crop pests. 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 of this crop. To control fusarium wilt, appropriate crop rotations, biofumigation and soil solarization should be carried out. Regarding 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.