Sementeira
Sow in the final location or in a tray, transplanting when seedlings reach about 10 cm.
A miniature pumpkin that charms at first sight — cream skin with deep green ridges and orange flesh, ideal for individual portions.
About the variety. Very small fruits (200–300 g, 10–12 cm in diameter) with a transverse elliptic shape. The cream-coloured skin is marked by deep green ridges and greenish patches; the orange flesh suits both sweet and savoury recipes. The flowers are edible and the plant is attractive to 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 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, with 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 amounts should be gradually reduced as the fruit reaches maturity. Drip irrigation is therefore a good option for this crop, as it adapts to the varying water requirements throughout the growing cycle while keeping foliage dry (which helps prevent disease development).
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 major 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 favourable to anthocorid beneficials (marigolds and other composites) and through biological control with predatory mites and anthocorids.
Fusarium wilt and downy mildew are common diseases of 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.