pumpkin / sivapu pusani

🎃 Pumpkin Seed Sowing Guide

1. Season

Grows best in warm season.

In India:

Kharif crop: June–July (rainy season)

Summer crop: Jan–Feb

In mild climates, it can be grown almost year-round.

2. Soil Preparation

Prefers well-drained sandy loam or loam soil.

Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5.

Add 8–10 tons FYM/acre before sowing.

3. Seed Preparation

Seed rate: 1–1.5 kg/acre.

Soak seeds in water for 6–8 hours to speed up germination.

Optional: Treat with Trichoderma / Bavistin to prevent seed rot.

4. Sowing Method

Direct sowing in pits or on raised beds.

Depth: 2–3 cm.

Spacing:

Pit method: 2–3 seeds per pit, pits at 2–3 m spacing.

Row method: Plants at 1.5–2 m apart, rows 2.5–3 m apart.

After germination, thin to 1–2 healthy plants per pit.

5. Germination

Takes 7–10 days under warm conditions.

6. Watering

Light watering after sowing.

Keep soil moist during early growth.

Once vines spread, irrigate at 7–10 day intervals.

Reduce watering during fruit maturity for better sweetness.

7. Support & Care

Allow vines to spread on ground or train on a trellis (for smaller varieties).

Mulching helps retain moisture and control weeds.

Apply NPK fertilizers in split doses for good growth and fruiting.

8. Harvest

Ready in 90–120 days after sowing (depends on variety).

Harvest when fruits turn deep-colored, hard-skinned, and the stalk becomes dry.