Decorative pumpkin: growing for the interior

The article presents the Pear-shaped pumpkin: photo, description, characteristics, rules of cultivation, care, protection.

Recently, it has become very popular to use climbing plants such as ivy, ornamental grapes, and various vines as decoration. In this article we will tell you about another unique plant - the decorative (pear-shaped) pumpkin. Probably few people have heard of its existence. It will undoubtedly take its rightful place in your garden and will serve as a decoration until the fall, until November. In autumn they are especially beautiful due to their curly, wide, green leaves, which gradually turn yellow and orange. The orange fruits give this hedge a special effect. They can be used for various purposes - for food, as living decoration, for various interesting crafts, after harvesting.

Decorative pear-shaped pumpkin has many types and varieties, they do not differ much in the shape of the leaves, they mainly differ in shape, size or timing of fruit ripening. In Russia it is generally accepted that this plant is an annual, because it cannot withstand our harsh winter, but in warmer countries it grows all year round. The stems of pear-shaped pumpkin with leaves spread throughout the garden like vines and can reach a length of 6 m. They have a very fast growth rate. The tendrils with which they cling to previous stems are very well developed and have increased strength and growth. There are also more stems than usual pumpkin varieties. The leaves grow up to 12 cm in diameter, with slight differences in color depending on the variety. It is also characteristic that the leaves are relatively thin, not fleshy, are more decorative in nature, and there is practically no pubescence. The flowers are mostly white, up to 7 cm in size; depending on the variety, pear-shaped pumpkins may have yellowish tints.

Errors during cultivation

Despite the fact that pumpkin is not the most demanding crop in the country, there are a number of mandatory agricultural technology conditions, non-compliance with which leads to disastrous results.
The most common mistakes gardeners make:

Planting vegetables in regions with cool summers without seedlings.
Sowing dry seeds into the soil. have not undergone stratification.
Planting pumpkins in poor soils without additional fertilizing.
Thickening of the vines and an attempt to grow more than 3 fruits on one plant.
Excessive soil moisture.
Incorrect planting pattern relative to each other.

Reviews from summer residents

Most gardeners prefer to grow beautiful and juicy pear-shaped pumpkins. Many are attracted by the classic orange color and melon aroma. However, sometimes expectations are not met: instead of large and attractive fruits, small and watery pumpkins grow.

Arina, Ufa: “I’ve been growing pear-shaped pumpkins for a long time. My favorites are the Novinka and Zhemchuzhina varieties. They are similar to each other, have juicy and sweet flesh. However, the Novinka variety is more productive. I dry pumpkin seeds and add them to baked goods, and from the pulp I make porridge and sweet jam for the winter.”

Olga, Moscow: “I prefer only muscat varieties. They have amazing taste and aroma. They can be capricious in their care, but if all agrotechnical rules are followed, no problems arise. I especially like to make vitamin juice with ginger and lemon from them, and also cook porridge for breakfast.”

Milana, Yekaterinburg: “I always plant pumpkins in the greenhouse. I especially love Pineapple. She is easy to care for and rarely gets sick. Before planting, I always disinfect the seeds and prepare the seedlings. I harvest in early September. We eat some right away, and leave the rest for the winter.”

Varieties of decorative pumpkin

Many varieties of decorative pumpkins have been developed that can amaze even the most picky gardener. And lagenaria, among other things, is used for economic purposes.

Bischofsmutzen

An interesting, unusual and extremely decorative variety. The pumpkin seems to consist of two halves, the lower one is the usual orange-red color. The border of the second half is indicated by a green stripe. The other half itself is white, reminiscent of boiled and frozen milk or soufflé.

Cou-Tors Native

Summer residents who planted this variety have unusual pears ripening in their gardens at the end of summer. They are small in size, the lower part is painted bright yellow, and the tapering part, closer to the tail, is dark green, speckled with white. In addition, light, blurry stripes stretched across the entire surface of the pumpkin. What’s interesting is that this color is not characteristic of all fruits; in a significant part, the lower part is green, and the upper part, on the contrary, is yellow. The variety belongs to the bottle lagenaria family.

Jack be little

A miniature copy of the usual rounded-flattened pumpkins. The variety is edible, the color of the fruit is rich, light orange, with pronounced ribbing.

Orange

Orange or Orange. The fruits are small in size, weighing up to 300 grams. Pumpkins are bright orange in color, flat-round and cylindrical in shape, with pronounced numerous ribs.

Warty

One of the most decorative pumpkins. The fruits are small, round and pear-shaped, the surface is densely covered with numerous small tubercles. There can be one or several combined colors. The fruits of the warty pumpkin are well stored.

Calabash

Bottle gourd, or lagenaria, is suitable for making dishes, jugs and drink vessels. Thanks to these properties and its shape in the form of a pear or bottle, it is widely used for both decorative and economic purposes. In particular, it can be used to make a “calabash” - a vessel for drinking the famous Mate coffee.

Pear-shaped

The fruits of this type of decorative pumpkin resemble pears, large, weighty, with smooth skin. They are striped and usually come in one or more colors. Mainly yellow, dark green and orange-green.

Goose in apples

Has high growth energy. The fruits of this variety of lagenaria bear a striking resemblance to the usual grazing geese. The lower part of the lagenaria is massive, barrel-shaped, the upper part is represented by a long, narrow, often curved neck. The peel is dense, dark green, covered with frequent rounded white spots.

Crown or star gourd

The variety is named due to the interesting shape of the fruits, resembling small, pot-bellied stars. They are yellowish, light green, orange, green. Often there is a combination of several colors, for example, orange and green. An unusual, decorative, original variety, perfect for garden design.

Baby Boo

The fruits are of the usual, flat-round, pumpkin shape. They are really tiny, up to 10 centimeters in diameter, the skin is smooth, white or cream-colored. This pumpkin is considered edible.

Lagenaria

The second name is bottle gourd. This is a powerful, annual, creeping vine, it belongs to the Pumpkin family. It is distinguished by unusual fruits of various shapes and sizes. Lagenaria are elongated, pear-shaped, cylindrical, round and others.

Mandarin

Small, up to 300 grams, round-shaped pumpkins. The surface of the fruit is almost smooth, with barely noticeable ribs and shiny skin, deep orange, tangerine in color. It is for this color, shape and small size that the variety got its name.

Sweet Dumpling

The shape of the fruits resembles the usual garden pumpkins, only much smaller in size and distinguished by their original color. Pumpkins are flat-rounded and gain weight up to 500 grams. They are characterized by yellowish or white, convex ribs with numerous dark green patches. Between the ribs there are wide, dark stripes with white spots.

Turkish turban

A variety with fruits of a decorative, memorable shape. They consist of two fused halves. The upper one, just like a turban, is bright orange in color, with pot-bellied ribs and a powerful tail. The lower one is smaller than the upper one in size, with more pronounced ribs, white or cream color.

Turban or pumpkin fungus, log

Refers to large-fruited varieties of decorative pumpkins. Outwardly it is similar to the Turkish turban, but on the upper half there are more often green inclusions, and the edges between the ribs are separated by white stripes.

Large-fruited pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima)

The name of this type of pumpkin speaks for itself.

Large-fruited pumpkin varieties are popular among gardeners all over the world, but the most outstanding specimens can only be obtained in long, warm summers. Under favorable conditions, the weight of pumpkins reaches several hundred kilograms, and gourmet varieties accumulate up to 15% sugar.

It is not surprising that the Cucurbita maxima pumpkin species is most widespread in its homeland, Peru, as well as in the southern states of the USA, Bolivia and India, where many interesting local varieties have been obtained. It is interesting that large-fruited pumpkins, even those belonging to the same species, amaze with their shapes, colors and even sizes. Along with giant plants, there are also dwarfs that produce very modest fruits, like the already mentioned turban-shaped pumpkin in the photo.

Decorative pumpkin

Decorative pumpkins are often used for landscaping. It can serve as a cover for unsightly old fences or sheds, entwining them with a powerful vine. Already in mid-summer, huge orange-yellow flowers appear on the plant, which, when pollinated, give us a wide variety of pumpkins that serve as decoration for the yard, home, and for crafts.

Decorative pumpkin cultivation

Planting and caring for a decorative pumpkin is no different from its edible relative. This plant loves sunny places with soil rich in nutrients. It is good to add manure in the fall before planting, and humus in the spring.

In warm regions, seeds are sown in the ground somewhere in mid-May, and where it is cold, it is advisable to grow pumpkin through seedlings, which are planted in early June

For the plant, it is important to loosen the soil and the absence of weeds in the first place, and watering once a week will be enough

Basically, decorative pumpkins are climbing, the bush form is very rare, and therefore it will need powerful support, because the plant reaches four meters in length and the total fruits have quite a large weight.

In the fall, before the onset of frost, the pumpkins are removed, because after the frost hits, these fruits are not stored. Until this time, bright and varied fruits in color and shape adorn the gardens and gazebos of private farmsteads.

Is it possible to eat decorative pumpkin?

You may come across conflicting information in various sources. Someone claims that there are certain varieties that can be eaten, but not old fruits, while others are exactly the opposite. The conclusion is simple - there are numerous varieties for food, so if the packaging does not indicate that the variety is suitable for consumption, then let the decorative pumpkin remain that way.

Varieties of decorative pumpkin

Today there are many varieties - these are orange, green, yellow, multi-colored pumpkins:

variety “Orange” - bright orange fruits of 200-300 grams against the background of emerald greenery look very exotic, and after picking they become an excellent decor for rooms;
lagenaria or bottle pumpkin is an interesting plant that can be grown of any type by placing young, unformed fruits in a vessel, the shape of which the pumpkin will later take;
“Kronen” is a decorative pumpkin of a flattened shape with sharp tips that resembles a star or a crown and can be two-colored, yellow or green;
“Baby Boo” - small white pumpkins 10 cm in diameter;
"Klein bicolor" - very beautiful two-color fruits.

After harvesting, the decorative pumpkin is dried without exposure to sunlight so that it does not darken and retains its juicy shade. Large fruits need the middle removed, but small fruits do not need this.

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Soil and lighting requirements

The plant is tolerant of almost all types of soil, but the best option is humus-rich, moderately moist soil with sufficient drainage. The optimal soil acidity level (pH) is 6.5. Before planting, compost should be added to the soil, the amount of which will depend on the natural characteristics of the soil.

The plant will feel much worse in an area where the following related crops previously grew:

zucchini;
squash;
cucumbers

The most favorable predecessors for pumpkin are:

tomatoes;
carrot;
onion;
cabbage;
winter grains such as wheat or corn.

Sometimes gardeners fear that the plant may get sick or die due to groundwater lying close to the surface. In fact, it does not have any effect on the growth and yield of the pumpkin.

Pumpkin is a light-loving plant. It will grow best in an area that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In this case, you can count on maximum yield and the best quality of fruit.

At the same time, the plant can grow quite well in partial shade. Knowing this, some gardeners use this type of pumpkin to protect other plants from weeds. Planted in beds of corn, a climbing decorative pumpkin occupies free space, simultaneously preventing the growth of weeds and decorating the garden.

Conditions

The plant is considered heat-loving, but does not have any special requirements, although it loves moist soil during flowering. This is due to the fact that during this period the root system begins to develop, which needs to become stronger. If there is not enough moisture, the ovaries will fall off.

Being a “sunny” crop, pumpkin requires enough light. It does not tolerate strong winds and cold, so there should be a fence/building on the northern part of the garden.

Lighting

It is advisable to plant the crop in areas open to sunlight. This is almost the only plant that easily tolerates exposure to direct sunlight, and for 6-8 hours. Despite this, slight shading is also acceptable, which is why many gardeners compact crops with corn.

Temperature

Pumpkin loves warmth, so the optimal temperature can be considered +25 degrees. Peculiarities:

if the temperature drops below +8-10 degrees, the seeds do not germinate;

at a temperature of +15-20, germination occurs slowly; at a temperature of +25-30 degrees, the seeds hatch in a couple of days.

Soil requirements

The soil for pumpkin crops should be saturated with humus, which will allow you to get tasty and aromatic fruits of high yield. It is advisable to drain the soil and fertilize it with compost. pH acidity should be 6-6.5. The upper soil layers should not be wetted, but groundwater can pass through the lower ones.

If we talk about crop rotation, the best predecessors are beans, cabbage (necessarily early) cabbage, onions, and garlic. It is not advisable to plant pumpkin after late varieties of tomatoes, carrots and cabbage. Beets, greens, and cucumbers are considered neutral. Pumpkin can coexist with beans, radishes, beets, and corn. It is forbidden to plant next to potatoes and tomatoes.

Losing weight and cleansing the body

You can take pumpkin for weight loss and cleansing the body. It has low calorie content, speeds up metabolism, and promotes the removal of toxins due to its high fiber content. The pumpkin diet lasts two weeks. During this time you can lose up to 10 kg. While following the diet, you must adhere to the following rules:

exclude salt and sugar;
do not drink alcohol;
do not exceed the daily calorie content of 1200 kcal;
drink only water and green tea without sugar;
do not eat after 18.00.

There are no strict requirements for the menu. Pumpkin can be eaten raw, prepared from it into salads, cereals, first and second courses, and included in vegetable stews.

Popular varieties

Typically, seeds are sorted not by name, but by shape or shade - this will make the area seem more attractive. But you can also find a mixture of varieties that differ in appearance.

Popular decorative pumpkin seeds:

Star-shaped. This variety is similar to squash, starfish and even crown. The diameter of the pumpkin does not exceed 20 cm. The shape of the fruit is oblong and flattened. The shades of the peel can be different: white, orange, yellow, green or multi-colored. The most popular varieties of this species include Corona.
Warty. On the fruits of this class there are small bumps that resemble a wart, hence the name. The peel can be in any shade. The most common type is the Surprise variety.
Turban-shaped. A striking representative is the Scheherazade variety. The upper part of the fruit differs from the lower part in shape and color, which is why people also call it a mushroom. The bushes of this decorative pumpkin are curly and large.
Pear-shaped. It is very easy to distinguish this species. The fruits resemble a pear and have a double hue. The transition from one color to another is pronounced. This is clearly visible if you look closely at the Bicolor variety. A popular variety is Kubyshka.
Tangerine. The fruits can reach 400 g; they are bright orange in color and flattened in shape. A popular variety is Orange.
Texas. Characterized by long stems and ovoid fruits.

General information and classification

The pumpkin family includes 27 species. A huge number of varieties have been bred from each.

In our country, 3 types of pumpkins are most often grown:

large-fruited
nutmeg
strong-willed

Hard-skinned varieties (common pumpkin) include vegetables with thick, woody skin. They usually ripen earlier than anyone else - at the end of summer, beginning of autumn.
Butternut squash love warmth, so they bear fruit best in areas with a warm climate. They have a long growing season; most often in our country they need to be planted as seedlings.
Large-fruited cucurbits produce the largest, sweetest fruits. They are best suited for long-term storage, growing in cold parts of the country.
There is a tomato variety called purple pumpkin.

According to their purpose, pumpkins are divided into:

table varieties
feed
decorative

We will describe different varieties for cultivation in different regions of Russia, taste, etc.

Growing pumpkin

For lovers of ordinary pumpkins, planting them for decorative purposes will not be difficult, because they are no different in cultivation. You can plant seedlings first, or sow seeds directly into the ground.

If your weather conditions allow you to plant the pumpkin directly in the ground, that is, the temperature should be at least 12 degrees stable, then at the end of May, beginning of June, you can plant the seeds. First you need to germinate the seeds. We keep them for two hours in water with a temperature of 50 degrees, then we keep them in a wrapped cloth for two days, after the sprouts have appeared, they can be planted. We dig holes 5-10 cm deep at a distance of 60 cm or more. You should not plant decorative pumpkins too close to each other, give them room to grow and form beautiful, abundant leaves. The soil should not be highly oxidized. It is best to prepare the soil in the fall by introducing organic fertilizers such as manure or slurry, bird droppings or compost. If you introduce them in the spring, they will not have time to rot. Among the predecessors, cereals, legumes, as well as carrots, onions, nightshades and cabbage are good choices. You cannot choose crops from their own family, such as zucchini and other types of pumpkins. Pumpkin loves light, but no more than 6 hours of direct sunlight, that is, you need to choose the eastern side of your site or any other places with partial shade.

If you want to plant a pumpkin using the seedling method, then you need to sow the seeds a month in advance, that is, approximately the end of April - beginning of May. Plant one or two seeds in small containers or cups

Important! You cannot plant pumpkin seeds in one container, because they may not tolerate being picked. You can buy soil or make it yourself from 1 part sand, 2 parts peat, 3 parts leaf soil

It is also necessary to first carry out the procedure of germinating the sprouts, then plant them in the ground. It doesn’t hurt to treat the seeds with potassium permanganate at the beginning; just rinse with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, wash off and dry. We plant so that the sprouts face up for faster germination. As soon as planted, we cover it with cling film, creating a greenhouse effect.

As a rule, sprouts appear in 1-2 weeks, each variety has its own timing, it is better to follow the instructions. When we see the first shoots, we immediately remove the film and move it to a well-warmed place. If they do not have enough light, the seedlings will grow very tall, the stem will be thin and unstable. Regular watering is necessary, if the room is too dry, then every day. Do not overwater, otherwise the root may fester. We plant them in the garden a month after planting. Before this, it is recommended to first take containers with seedlings to the balcony or greenhouse for hardening and better weather resistance. You need to start with ten minutes, gradually increasing the time you spend outside. The method of planting using seedlings will help you decorate your garden with this wonderful plant much earlier than by sowing directly into the ground.

How to grow such a crop in a summer cottage?

Stages of growing decorative pumpkin:

We prepare the seeds - disinfect, harden, germinate.
We sow the seeds in the ground. The end of April or the beginning of May is suitable for sowing seedlings.
The plant does not like to be transplanted, so we sow one seed at a time in a pot with a diameter of at least 15 cm.
After 12 days, sprinkle with earth, right down to the cotyledon leaves.
We fertilize twice; you can use mineral fertilizers or slurry.
We plant seedlings at 30 days of age, with five true leaves.
Before planting, we dig up the soil and apply fertilizer.
Prepare the holes by pouring at least 1 liter of water into each hole.

Decorative pumpkins will grow well if the seedlings are planted in well-warmed soil.

You can sow directly into the ground, preferably after frost has passed, the soil temperature is at least 13 degrees.
We water and feed the plant in a timely manner, as well as loosen the soil and weed out the weeds.
We install a reliable structure to support the plant.
We pinch the main shoot, which has grown to 1 meter, so that lateral shoots are formed.
We get rid of pests and diseases in a timely manner.
We collect fruits only after they are fully ripe, preventing them from freezing.

Planting and caring for ornamental pears

Ornamental pears can be propagated by cuttings, grafting and seeds. The first two methods are more often used for the Willow pear (it is also propagated by root shoots), and planting with seeds is used for all varieties of pears.

Planting an ornamental pear

The seeds are soaked for 3 days in warm water, which must be changed every day. On the last day, it is advisable to add growth stimulants (Ribav, Zircon, Epin). Then the seed must be stratified - exposed to cold (pear seeds do not germinate well without this operation). To do this, it is recommended to mix coconut substrate, high peat and river sand in equal parts, and also add 10% perlite. Seeds are placed in the moistened mixture (to a depth of 1–2 cm), covered with perforated film and placed in a cold (+3…+5 °C) place for 60–90 days. At home, the bottom shelf of the refrigerator is suitable for this operation. It is necessary to regularly check whether the substrate is sufficiently moist and whether the seeds have rotted. By the end of the stratification period, the seeds should germinate.

Sprouted seeds are removed from the refrigerator and planted in nutritious soil. After the appearance of 4 pairs of true leaves, picking is carried out (transplantation into another container or open ground with simultaneous pruning of the roots).

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The author's own experience in growing pears from seeds was successful enough to share. Pear seeds, washed after being removed from the fruit and soaked for 3 days, are placed in a bag with wet sawdust or moss (the bag should not be tied tightly) and placed in the refrigerator (vegetable compartment)

After 3 months, the sprouted seeds are carefully removed from the substrate and planted in the ground. The author planted each seed in a separate container (a liter tetra milk bag)

The containers are placed under the light of a phytolamp, and if there is sufficient daylight, on a window. Usually, by the second ten days of February, the seedlings already begin to develop their second pairs of leaves.

When pear seedlings grow up, they are moved to open ground.

For planting ornamental pears, well-lit or semi-shaded areas are desirable. The soil is preferably loamy or sandy loam, with a neutral pH reaction. Most varieties, except Ivolistnaya, feel good on slightly alkaline soils. On heavy soils, planting is possible if good drainage is provided.

The technique for planting an ornamental pear is practically no different from planting other fruit trees.

It is advisable to plant in the spring so that the plant has time to take root before winter. If you plant in the fall, you need to time the planting so that there are 3-4 weeks left before frost.

The dimensions of the landing pit are 0.7 by 1.0 meters. The pit is filled with a mixture of fertile soil with compost and sand (proportion 2:1:1) and the addition of mineral fertilizers. A seedling with straightened roots is lowered into a hole, covered with soil and compacted. Then watering is carried out and the tree trunk circle is mulched with peat.

Planting a pear on video

Caring for decorative pears

There are no distinctive features in caring for ornamental pears. Standard watering (4–5 times per season), loosening the soil, fertilizing and pruning are required.

Watering can be done in furrows, but sprinkling can also be used (especially for Willow pear). The watering norm for a 10–20 year old tree is 30–40 liters.

Ornamental pears, like fruit pears, “love” sprinkling

Fertilizers must be applied every 2-3 years, and on very poor soils - annually. For each square meter of tree trunk circle, 5–8 kg of compost, 15–20 g of urea, 20–25 g of potassium sulfate and 15–20 g of superphosphate are required.

Decorative pears are formed naturally. If you don't want to give them any special shape, they still need to be trimmed to improve wind resistance. Sanitary pruning to remove dry and diseased branches is carried out in autumn and spring, as well as for other varieties of pears.

The winter hardiness of ornamental pears, especially young ones, is not too high, so for the winter the trunks and bases of skeletal branches need to be insulated with paper, fabric, spruce branches, and the trunk circle should be covered with a thick layer of mulch (humus, peat).

Hardbark pumpkin (Cucurbita rero)

This type of pumpkin growing wild was once discovered by the Indian tribes of Central America and became one of the most popular, if not iconic, plants in the region.

The annual vegetable plant, now represented by many dozens of varieties and varieties, is grown everywhere from southern Mexico to the central United States. The culture contains both climbing and bush plants, and some of the subspecies are decorative pumpkins, as in the photo, used to decorate the garden and interior.

Cucurbita pepo, as a species, is divided into several independent varieties, including: hard-barked pumpkin, squash and squash.

The hard-barked pumpkin got its name due to the rough, very dense layer of bark that gains strength as the fruits ripen. This is the fastest ripening species in Russian gardens, but pumpkin lovers should note that the pulp of this type of fruit can be quite coarse, so you should choose varieties for cultivation especially carefully. Today, summer residents are offered many interesting hybrids and varieties of pumpkin, among which there are plants of very unusual appearance and properties.

An early ripening hard-bark pumpkin of the “Spaghetti” variety ripens in 65–80 days and during the growing season forms a long-climbing plant with oval fruits of a yellowish or cream color. Pumpkin weight ranges from 800 to 1.5 kg, but the main feature of the variety is hidden under the hard bark. This is a low-juicy pulp that breaks down into separate fibers, the appearance of which gave the name to the variety. The sweetness of this pumpkin, in the photo, is not great, but the variety is loved by vegetarians and adherents of proper nutrition for the opportunity to enjoy unusual vegetable “pasta”.

Amazon is an early ripening variety of pumpkin, the main value of which is its small portioned fruits weighing about one kilogram. The juicy orange pulp of pumpkin is rich in sugar and carotenes, valuable for baby and dietary nutrition. At the same time, the productive variety can be classified as bush pumpkins with short, barely developed vines.

Gymnosperm pumpkin deserves special attention from gardeners. This is a mid-season variety that produces plants with long, powerful vines up to 5 meters long. The weight of one pumpkin is 3–5 kg, the flesh is orange and loose.

A characteristic feature of the culture is oil-rich, tasty seeds without a hard surface shell. The pumpkin in the photo is unpretentious, but it cannot be stored for a long time due to the danger of seeds sprouting inside the fruit.

The ultra-early ripening variety of bush pumpkin “Smile” easily tolerates frost, is productive and is valued as a source of sweet portioned fruits with pulp that smells like real melon.

A typical example of bush pumpkin varieties are squash and zucchini grown in every garden, as well as zucchini, popular today, with fruits of all shades of yellow and green.

Description of decorative pear-shaped pumpkin

There are a large number of varieties of decorative climbing pumpkins, differing slightly in the appearance of the green part. The main external differences between these varieties relate to the appearance of the fruits, their quantity and ripening time.

Decorative pumpkin is a vine with a fast growth rate. This pumpkin is capable of producing shoots up to 6 m long. The height to which the shoots can rise is about 2 m. This plant is a perennial, but in the Russian climate it is cultivated as an annual.

Unlike most pumpkins, climbing varieties have thin (no more than 10 mm in diameter) stems. The number of stems is also large: if in ordinary pumpkins their number is limited to 4-5, then in decorative ones, due to frequent branching, their number exceeds a dozen. The tendrils, with which the stems cling to obstacles, are much better developed than those of an ordinary pumpkin. They have an increased growth rate and greater strength.

The leaves of these varieties are rarely more than 10-12 cm in diameter. Their color can vary significantly depending on the variety; there are both light green and rich dark green shades. The leaves are relatively thin, the pubescence is weakly expressed.

The flowers are almost always white, 5-6 cm in diameter. In rare cases, they can be yellow or orange. Their shape is standard for a pumpkin - a five-blade bell.

Description of fruits

A characteristic feature of the decorative pear-shaped pumpkin breed is the shape of its fruit, which, in fact, follows from the name. However, it should immediately be said that the color, the number of fruits on the plant, and the characteristics of their shape depend on the specific variety or hybrid of the plant. And the number of such varieties reaches several dozen.

Important! Typically, sellers of decorative pumpkin seeds do not sell individual varieties, but original “mixes” of seeds, which contain various sets of several varieties that have a certain degree of similarity with each other. Each plant produces 20 to 30 fruits

The flesh of these fruits is almost always light orange or yellow. The weight of the fruit lies within a few tens of grams

Each plant produces 20 to 30 fruits. The flesh of these fruits is almost always light orange or yellow. The weight of the fruit lies within several tens of grams.

The color of the fruit is:

yellow;
white;
red;
creamy;
orange, etc.

Spotted or striped varieties are often found. The skin of the fruit can be smooth, pimply, segmented, etc. A typical type of fruit of a climbing decorative pumpkin in the shape of a pear is shown in the photo:

The pear-shaped fruit shape common to all varieties can have different proportions. There are fruits with an elongated thin part (Cobra variety), a star-shaped thick part (Crown variety), a turban-shaped fruit (Turkish Turban variety), a segmented thick part (Sweet Dumping variety), and so on. The varieties closest to the classic pear-shaped form are the varieties of the Bottle Lagenaria group.

A large number of varieties have fruits with a curved shape of the thin part (Native Couture, Swan Neck, Peanut Butter and others).

The main purpose of the fruit is to decorate the site. In addition, ripe fruits are used to prepare various hand-made crafts (vases, lamps, candlesticks, flasks, etc.). The taste of such pumpkins is very mediocre.

Is it possible to eat decorative pear-shaped pumpkin?

Most varieties of pear-shaped decorative pumpkin are not suitable for consumption. Only a few of them can be used as raw materials for preparing pumpkin dishes. These include, for example, the Baby Boo or Peanut varieties.

Some varieties (for example, Sweet Dumping) can be eaten while they are not yet fully ripe, since when ripe their flesh hardens and they become unsuitable for food.

Plant characteristics

Decorative pumpkin is a fast-growing vine that forms shoots up to 6 meters long. Plants are grown primarily as annuals. This variety of pumpkins differs from ordinary ones in the following characteristics:

thinner stems;
more branched shoots;
smaller leaves;
the fruits of most varieties are not eaten, although they are edible;
smaller fruit size;
a wide variety of shapes and colors of fruits.

Regarding the last point, it is worth noting that gardeners really have a lot to choose from. There are varieties with round, pear-shaped, bottle-shaped, oval and star-shaped fruits. The fruits of decorative pumpkins, unlike ordinary ones, can be of a variety of colors. Each plant produces 20 to 30 fruits with light orange pulp and seeds. You may not know that pumpkin fruits are biologically classified as berries.

The flowering plant also has decorative value. In early summer, medium to large yellow, orange or white flowers appear on the climbing plants.

How to control pests

As already mentioned, if not properly cared for, pumpkin can be affected by a wide variety of diseases and garden pests. And if the plant is affected by some kind of disease, immediate action must be taken.

Powdery mildew - white spots appear all over the surface of the fruit, stems and shoots and dry out. This disease occurs due to the fact that the plant does not have enough sunlight. Or a sudden drop in temperature. In order to get rid of the disease, it is necessary to spray the plant with chemicals. But the affected fruits will have to be destroyed.

Root rot affects the stem and root. And the cause of the disease is soil fungi, which infect the plant if it grows poorly. Therefore, the best way to prevent disease is to disinfect the seeds themselves before planting. You can save the plant only in the early stages by adding humus or peat.

Bacteriosis most often infects leaves, but it can also affect fruits and shoots. Appears as angular brown spots. It is active in humid environments. And for prevention, plants are treated with a 1% solution of Bordeaux mixture.

Slugs don't just affect pumpkins. They are considered the scourge of all vegetables. They can mainly be found on rainy days. They get rid of them with a mixture of slaked lime and ash.

What diseases and pests affect pear-shaped pumpkins?

Pear-shaped pumpkin: photo

The decorative pear-shaped pumpkin family has fairly average resistance to pests and diseases. Much depends on proper care and timely detection of pests. Among the diseases, decorative pumpkins are most often susceptible to powdery mildew and all types of rot, and bacteriosis is possible. Leaves can become food for aphids or spider mites. Methods of dealing with them are standard - treatment with acaricide or the use of everyone’s favorite folk methods. Although in this case, if there is no proximity to other edible crops, you can immediately use chemical methods to achieve a quick and better effect. A solution of copper sulfate in a ratio of 1% to 3% will help in the fight against fungal diseases, you can try using colloidal sulfur. The most effective method is preventive measures. You just need to spray it with a solution of copper sulfate once a month.

Wax gourd (Benincasa hispida)

Elongated green pumpkins of this species were originally known only in the Southeast. But today the first varieties of pumpkin of the genus Benincasa hispida have appeared in Russia. The fruits are dark green in color and have an unusual dense bark that feels like wax.

The Chengzhou wax gourd variety produces fruits that are ready for harvest 125-130 days after sowing. Pumpkins ripen on long powerful vines. The weight of each fruit reaches 6–15 kg, and its length ranges from 25 to 50 cm.

The milky pulp of this type of pumpkin can be used boiled, stewed or fried. Both green pumpkins that have not reached ripeness and ripe fruits are used for culinary purposes. As the pumpkin ripens, it accumulates some sugar, but it cannot compare with butternut squash. But wax pumpkin holds the record for shelf life. Without loss of quality, fruits can last up to 2–3 years.

Useful tips for choosing a pumpkin - video

How to cook pumpkin in the microwave

The microwave is the best friend and assistant of modern housewives. The dishes in it turn out to be more healthy, and they are also prepared faster. You can bake pumpkin in its entirety, using small fruits. But it will work faster if you cut it into pieces.

The simplest recipe for a delicious dessert:

Peel the pumpkin from peel, seeds and fibers.
Cut 300 g of vegetables into cubes or slices, but not too finely so that they retain their shape and do not turn into mush.
Sprinkle the workpiece with 2 tbsp. l. sugar, mix and place in a special microwave-safe dish. Pre-coat it with butter.
Add a little water to the pan, about 3 tbsp. l. and cover with a lid. Don’t forget that it must also be special, designed for the microwave. In our case, there should still be holes for steam to escape.
Set the maximum power and 10 minutes on the timer.
If the dessert turns out too watery, leave it for another 7 minutes, but without the lid.

By the way, you can bake the pumpkin in a glass dish with a lid, then it will be very juicy. Or at the end, also place the dish without a lid so that the liquid evaporates a little.

Pumpkin contains very healthy carotene, but it is best absorbed with fats. Therefore, it is better to serve dietary pumpkin baked in the microwave with butter or cream. You can sprinkle cinnamon on top.

Curd and pumpkin casserole in the microwave

We all love cottage cheese casserole, and if you add sweet pumpkin to it, it will turn out tastier and doubly healthier. The cooking principle is the same as when baking a dessert in the oven. Only it will take much less time. You can serve this dish for breakfast, and children will especially like it.

First of all, peel and seeds and bake the pumpkin, cutting it into pieces. For one serving, 500 g of vegetables will be enough. When cool, puree in a blender.

Now stir 500 g of cottage cheese with 2 eggs. For flavor, add a small packet of vanillin. If you don’t like sugar, you can make the casserole without it, because pumpkin itself is sweet. For those with a sweet tooth, add a couple of tablespoons of sugar to the cottage cheese. If you wish, you can add raisins or dried fruits, it will also be delicious.

Mix both mixtures, curd and pumpkin mixture, and place in a glass dish. Pre-lubricate it with butter. It’s better to add a little, not a very thick layer, so that the casserole is well baked. Set the timer for 12 minutes at maximum power.

To get a nice crust on top, turn the microwave to Grill mode and add another 2 minutes.

Potato and pumpkin side dish in the microwave

Vegetarians will especially appreciate this dish: fast, simple, tasty, without meat and practically without fat. This is an ideal option that can be served as a side dish for meat. Although, if desired, you can also add chicken fillet to the vegetables and “weight up” the recipe. Then you will receive a ready-made hearty dinner. You shouldn't use pork, it needs more time to cook, and the taste won't be the same.

So, peel 500 g of potatoes and pumpkin each, cut it into slices. Add one onion, a couple of tablespoons of vegetable oil. Salt, add your favorite spices and herbs. Place the vegetables in a glass dish with a lid, pour in a little water. Microwave at maximum power for 15 minutes.

Butternut squash (Cucurbita moschata)

Butternut squash can easily be called the most delicious of all cultivated species. It is not surprising that the seeds of this particular culture were found by archaeologists during the study of ancient settlements in South America.

According to morphological characteristics, namely the appearance of stems, leaves and flowers, this type of pumpkin occupies an intermediate position between Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita pepo. But the fruit pulp is strikingly different in appearance and taste, because on average it contains up to 11.5% sugar, is dense, oily and has a subtle pleasant smell.

True, it is more difficult to grow nutmeg pumpkin fruits than large-fruited or hard-barked ones. Plants are demanding of heat and humidity, and pumpkin varieties are mid- or late-season. There are six subspecies of butternut squash in the world. But the most popular are pear-shaped pumpkins, called “butternut” due to the taste and consistency of the pulp.

For Russian summer residents, breeders offer fairly cold-resistant varieties of pumpkin of this type, which bear sweet, delicious fruits in 90–120 days.

An early-ripening variety of nutmeg pumpkin, “Sugar Mace,” forms climbing plants that can simultaneously ripen up to 8 fruits weighing from one and a half to two kilograms.

The peculiarity of the pumpkin variety, as in the photo, is the unusual shape of the fruits and their fairly rapid ripening. Sweet and juicy pulp, rich in carotene, vitamins and can be used for making juices, baby food and other types of culinary processing

Pumpkin variety "Pearl" ripens three weeks later. The fruits in this case have the classic shape of a pear-shaped pumpkin and reach 3–6 kg in weight. The rich orange pulp contains a lot of sugar and carotene, which makes it suitable for baby and medical nutrition. The plants tolerate dry periods well, and the fruits can ripen indoors.

“Pineapple” nutmeg pumpkin is a mid-season hybrid with long vines and pear-shaped delicious fruits weighing up to 2.5 kg. The bark of this variety of pumpkins, as in the photo, has a cream or yellowish tint, and the pulp can accumulate up to 10% sugar. Butternut squash is versatile and disease resistant.