Description of the variety
High yield and low maintenance explain the popularity of this pumpkin. Pink banana is a large-fruited crop. It has an average fruit ripening period. At least 110 days pass from planting to harvest.
The culture has long vines that quickly begin to grow. The fruits are spindle-shaped. The weight of one vegetable ranges from 5 to 18 kg. The record-breaking fruits weigh under 20 kg. The length of the pumpkin with this weight is at least 50 cm.
The peel of the crop is thin, although it looks strong and thick. It is easy to cut. The peel color is light pink. The shade changes as the crop matures. The pulp is very sweet and juicy. Its color is deep orange. The high density of pumpkin is its distinctive feature, which determines its long shelf life.
There are no visible fibers in the pulp. Due to its structure and balanced composition, the vegetable can be frozen and processed, after which it does not lose its quality characteristics.
The variety of the crop received its name for the specific shape of the fruit. Externally, the pumpkin resembles a huge banana. Pink color is the main sign that the crop is ripe. Green fruits cannot be picked because they have not had time to “gain” the required sweetness. Another feature of the culture is the blue rim that forms at the site where the ovary falls off.
Growing
Pink banana pumpkin is a heat-loving crop. The first rule for sowing seeds or seedlings is warm air and a warm soil layer. In spring, you need to wait until the earth warms up to a temperature of at least 10-14 °C.
If the temperature is lower, the seeds will be lost and the seedlings will grow into an uneven, weak bush. If spring is rainy, the seeds may rot. For this reason, choose a sunny, warm, dry day for planting.
The high resistance of the variety allows sowing through seeds. Planting by seedlings is costly and time-consuming.
Work in open ground is carried out as follows:
- choose a plot of land where cabbage or root vegetables were previously grown; it is better not to plant the variety after another pumpkin crop;
- the soil is first fertilized if the land plot is not characterized by high fertility;
- dig holes at least 7 cm deep;
- the distance between seeds should be at least 1 m.
To avoid loss of material, it is planted at different depths. Mature bushes grow, so the distance between seeds should not be less than 1 meter. Beforehand, if fertilizer is not added to the soil, the holes are well watered.
Moistened soil is the most favorable environment for seeds. At least 1.5-2 liters of liquid are added to one well.
Features of landing
Seedlings need warmth
The time for planting pumpkin seeds directly depends on the region. The warmer it is on the land, the earlier the holes can be formed. If the crop is at risk of frost, it is better to wait until planting.
Pink banana is an early ripening species, so its planting can be delayed for several weeks. If frosts begin, the seeds will not germinate.
To speed up the growth of the bush, the soil is first enriched. To do this, add bird droppings, compost and slurry. Fertilizer is used for each hole: there is no need to feed the entire plot of land.
Immediately after planting, the seeds are covered with film. With its help, a greenhouse effect is created, which gives the planting material the necessary amount of heat. Remove the film before the first watering.
Care
Proper care is a guarantee of rapid seed germination and good bush growth. After 1-2 weeks from the moment of planting, the first shoots will appear. Regular care needs to be established immediately.
If the film for the greenhouse effect is not removed, holes must be made in it so that the sprouts can “breathe”. Gradually, the holes are increased to 15 cm in diameter, the film is removed, and the culture is allowed to get used to the new conditions.
The Pink Banana pumpkin needs abundant watering during the following periods:
- plant growth;
- when the ovaries open;
- fruit formation.
Abundant watering is carried out when the top soil layer dries out. The optimal water temperature for this is 20 °C. Before irrigation, the beds must be weeded: any foreign plants draw excess moisture from the rhizome of the bush.
Loosening the soil will improve its throughput. It is important that the root system is not damaged while working in the garden. The plant is watered at a distance of at least 10 cm from the stem. Watering is stopped 2 weeks before harvest. The fruits “gain” their sweetness on their own.
How to grow
There are several ways to grow Pink Banana. Each of them has advantages and disadvantages, we will consider them below.
Planting by seeds
It involves planting seeds directly into open ground without preparing seedlings. Produced in late May or early July. For this method, it is necessary to disinfect the seeds - they may contain dangerous microbes or pathogens.
“Fitosporin +” is recognized as an excellent disinfectant. Soak the seeds in the Fitosporin solution for 2 hours. The product is sold in the form of a powder, paste or solution at any gardening store.
Next, you need to cultivate the land. Starting in the fall, dig up the beds and clear them of debris and remnants of old plants. With the arrival of spring, water the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate or hydrogen peroxide. These products perfectly rid the soil of insect larvae and dangerous microorganisms.
The required distance between plants is at least 1.5 m. Otherwise, the root system will have nowhere to develop. If you live in an area with a variable climate, cover the top of the Pink Banana with plastic wrap.
Planting seedlings
To prepare seedlings, in addition to seeds, you will need a container and soil. Any flower pots, wooden boxes, or plastic buckets are suitable as containers. The main thing is that the container is clean and dry. If you don’t have anything suitable at hand, purchase special containers for seedlings or cassettes from the store.
Many gardeners prepare the soil for seedlings themselves. For pumpkin, the following composition is considered an excellent option: 4 parts of soil from the garden, 1 part of humus, 1 part of sawdust or river sand. After mixing the components, be sure to water the soil with a solution of potassium permanganate.
Once everything is ready, fill the container with soil, making small holes in it. Place a seed in each, sprinkle some soil on top and pour with warm, settled water.
Prepare the seedlings approximately 20 days before planting in open ground. The timing depends on the region of residence and weather conditions.
Planting takes place in early June. The best predecessors for pumpkin are legumes, potatoes and onions. The beds must be level.
Remove seedlings with as many roots as possible and try not to damage them. After placing the young plants in the holes, press the soil down tightly so that there are no voids.
Don’t forget to water the pumpkin; 1 bush requires about 0.5 liters of water. If the weather is clear and the sun is hot, cover the seedlings with newspaper.
Care
Pumpkin loves water. The root system of the plant is branched and powerful, so frequent watering is needed. The average interval between them is 4-6 days, depending on weather conditions.
Pink banana especially needs moisture during the flowering and fruiting periods. The water temperature must be at least 20 degrees. Thanks to its strong roots, the crop tolerates periods of drought and heat well.
To obtain a good harvest, the plant is formed into one or two stems. If you form one stem, remove additional ovaries immediately after they appear. Be careful not to damage the main stem. When forming into two stems, leave two pumpkins on the main vine, and one on the side. Next, pinch the tops and leave 3-4 leaves on each lash.
Another necessary stage of care is feeding. Try to alternate mineral and organic fertilizers. For example, the first time you feed the Pink Banana with nettle infusion, the second time you fertilize it with Nitrophoska.
Pay special attention to fertilizing during the fruiting period. Wood ash solution is recognized as an excellent fertilizer
It not only has a positive effect on the quality of the crop, but also protects the crop from pests.
Harvest and storage
With proper care, a bush of this variety forms up to 10 pumpkins on one crop. High yields depend entirely on watering and the amount of sunlight. Harvest before the first cold snap. If it starts to freeze, it will spoil. The first sign that the crop is ripe is the pattern on the peel. At the same time, the surface of the pumpkin hardens.
The harvested crop can be stored for up to 4 months. The vegetable does not lose its properties in the refrigerator, but you cannot keep it there for more than a month. The optimal storage temperature is from 0 to 4 °C. Excess moisture reduces the shelf life of fruits.
Plant productivity depends on proper care
If a pumpkin becomes covered with a film or mold, it cannot be stored - it begins to rot and lose its useful components.
Only undamaged vegetables are kept in one box. If you do not cut off the stalk, the crop will sit longer. The harvest is first dried in the open air, but not washed. Any moisture that remains on the fruit will cause the crop to rot.
If possible, the pumpkin is placed so as to prevent contact with other crops.
How to care?
Caring for a standard pink banana pumpkin. It is necessary to monitor soil moisture, loosen the soil, and hill up young bushes. Since the plant is climbing, it is necessary to form a bush.
If vegetables and leaves do not have enough nutrients, then fertilizing is used. It is recommended to treat bushes against insect pests and fungal diseases.
Pink banana pumpkin loves moisture. After planting seedlings in open ground or in a greenhouse, mulch, dry grass or sawdust are immediately placed in the beds. At low air humidity, they will retain moisture in the soil. At the same time, mulch will prevent waterlogging.
The material is turned regularly to ventilate and prevent insects. What agrotechnical rules must be followed:
- Watering is carried out once every 10-14 days, but in humid regions the soil is moistened even less often;
- after watering, it is necessary to destroy the dry earthen crust and ventilate the mulch;
- the bushes are spudning. The first time the plants are sprinkled to a depth of 10 cm. After 2 weeks, the plants are planted to a depth of 6 cm. If the pumpkin is grown in barrels, then add soil to the containers, sprinkling the bushes. Hilling is necessary for the full formation of the root system;
- Fertilizers are used only when necessary. After planting the seedlings, potassium salt and superphosphate are introduced, 20-30 g/10 l each. The next time the pumpkin is fed is before the flowering season. When vegetables begin to increase in size and gain weight, use a solution of weeds with yeast, the mineral complex "Kristalon" or spray the bushes and soil with a solution of boric acid;
- the bush is formed after the ovary appears. Empty lashes are cut off. On the rest, 3-4 ovaries are left. The optimal length of the stems is 2-3 m;
- for insects use the drug “Decis”, a solution of mustard or allspice;
- Prevention of infectious diseases can be prevented by using a solution of potato tops or tomato stems. Spraying is carried out. The solution is safe for pumpkin. It can be applied every time after a rainy cycle.
It is recommended to tie pumpkin vines to improve soil aeration. A bedding of dry grass is arranged under the fruits. If vegetables are left lying on wet soil, they may rot. According to some gardeners, the bush does not need to be pruned.
To ensure that all ovaries receive a sufficient amount of nutrients, the lashes are sprinkled with soil. They take root; fruits that are far from the main root receive additional nutrition. It is recommended to always direct the lashes to a sunny area so that they do not climb into the shade.
Watering and fertilizing are stopped 3 weeks before harvest. Before the last watering, you can feed the pumpkin with a solution of table salt. Prepare a solution from 40 g of salt and 1 bucket of water. 1 liter is poured under each bush. You can spray bushes, fruits and soil.
Salt helps concentrate sucrose, vitamins and minerals in the pulp. The product has antiseptic characteristics and extends shelf life.
The harvest is harvested at the beginning of September, at the end of August. Pink banana pumpkin is recommended to be stored in a cool place.
If left at home, the seeds can germinate inside the fruit. The pulp becomes fresh and breaks down into fibers. It is not suitable for human consumption. The seeds are either planted in the ground or discarded.
Pests and diseases
The description of the Pink Banana pumpkin suggests that it has average disease resistance. She is rarely exposed to them, but an epidemic of bacteriosis on a plot of land can destroy the entire crop. The first signs of a disease dangerous to pumpkin:
- brown ulcers;
- the fruits darken and begin to rot;
- fruits grow unevenly.
If symptoms appear on one crop, it is immediately removed from the land. The remaining bushes are treated with Bordeaux mixture to prevent the spread of the disease.
Pests also spoil the harvest: they attack the juiciest vegetables on the plot of land. The variety is threatened by spider mites or aphids. To prevent the proliferation of parasites, the bushes are treated with a homemade solution. For spraying, mix water and a decoction of onion peels. The liquid is infused for 24 hours.
To protect the crop in the future, it is necessary to weed the beds in a timely manner.
Advantages and disadvantages
The beneficial properties of the Pink banana variety are the main advantage of pumpkin. The pulp is rich in microelements and vitamins. The more often pumpkin is eaten, the stronger the effect of such a simple product - the components of the pulp are useful for adults and children.
The product has a beneficial effect on the digestive system and immunity. Another advantage of the variety is its preservation. Ripe fruits do not spoil for a long period of time, so they can be used during winter and spring.
The unusual appearance sets the culture apart from other pumpkin species. It decorates the plot of land and gives an original look to various dishes.
The fast ripening period allows you to harvest the crop already 4 months after planting, while other pumpkin crops bear fruit no earlier than September. The main advantage of the Pink Banana variety is its taste. The fruits are consumed raw or after heat treatment.
The variety has few disadvantages. An unpretentious crop requires more watering, especially in summer. The bush is not resistant to pests, so it needs to be additionally protected. The positive qualities of the variety completely cover its shortcomings.
Characteristics of Abakan pink tomato
The mid-early variety is grown in open ground and greenhouses. Of course, open ground is only suitable for planting in regions with warm climates. In cool climates, without shelter, yields are significantly reduced. The description of the variety contains information about the requirements of the Abakan pink tomato for growing conditions and care.
Productivity and fruiting
The variety is distinguished by long (extended) fruiting, for which it is highly valued among tomato lovers. The first fruits are ready for harvest 100-120 days after emergence. The duration of this period depends on the growing region. From 1 sq. m of planting area, 4.5-6 kg of delicious Abakan pink fruits are collected. The yield of the variety is affected by the schedule of watering and fertilizing.
Area of application of fruits
Salad large-fruited varieties of tomatoes are most suitable for fresh consumption. Abakan pink is no exception. But, besides this, it has many valuable characteristics that allow the fruits to be used for other purposes. The fleshiness of tomatoes is suitable for making paste, the juiciness and sugar content are suitable for juice, and the thick skin is suitable for preserving salads or pickling.
Resistance to diseases and pests
Thanks to its inherent characteristics, the Abakan pink tomato has good resistance to crop diseases. The variety gets sick very rarely. Therefore, vegetable growers do not have to use chemicals in the beds where the crop grows. Even invasions of the Colorado potato beetle cause much less harm to Abakan plantings than to other varieties of tomatoes.
Advantages and disadvantages of the variety
Based on feedback from farmers about the Abakan pink tomato variety, you can make a list of advantages and disadvantages. Among the positive aspects, vegetable growers highlight:
- taste characteristics;
- attractive presentation, large fruit;
- the ability to bear fruit in regions with cold climates and ripen after being picked from the bush;
- fruit resistance to cracking;
- versatility of the growing method;
- good immunity to diseases, rare cases of pest attacks;
- stable yield, extended fruiting;
- ability to endure transportation even over long distances;
- excellent responsiveness to fertilizing and compliance with agrotechnical requirements.
No pronounced deficiencies were noted in the variety, but farmers highlight:
- some difficulties of varietal agricultural technology;
- need for a garter;
- abundance and frequency of watering;
- regular stepsoning;
- short shelf life of fruits.
This is confirmed by numerous reviews and photos of Abakan pink tomatoes. The short shelf life fully compensates for the length of fruiting of the variety.
Important! During transportation, fruits are placed in containers in only one layer
