Cucurbita moschata — Cucurbitaceae
Growing Conditions
Sun: full
Water: high
Soil: loamy
Irrigation: drip
pH: 6.5–7
Frost hardy: No
Dimensions
Height: 45–90cm
Spacing (plants): 50cm
Spacing (rows): 100cm
Characteristics
Attracts pollinators: Yes
Suitable for containers: No
Edible flowers: Yes
Pests & Diseases
Pests: spider mites, thrips
Diseases: fusarium, downy mildew
Pear-shaped squash with thin skin, cream coloured exterior and firm bright orange flesh (1-2kg). Late ripening, can be stored for several months. Needs warm conditions, ideal temperature 22-32°C with overnight temps above 20°C. Soil temperature at sowing must be at least 20°C. Transplant when seedling is 6-9 inches tall.
Fertilisation#
- Nitrogen-demanding crop. Incorporate well composted organic matter before planting.
Irrigation#
- Essential during flowering, pollination and fruit growth. Reduce gradually as fruit matures. Drip irrigation recommended to keep foliage dry and avoid disease.
Weed control#
- Mechanical control in early stages. Mulching with organic materials or plastic helps reduce weed competition.
Pest control#
- Spider mites: biological control with predatory mites, apply azadirachtin and sulphur powder (only if temperature below 28°C).
- Thrips: use border plants favourable to anthocorid predators (marigolds and other composites), biological control with predatory mites and anthocorids.
Disease control#
- Fusarium: adequate crop rotation, biofumigation and soil solarisation.
- Downy mildew: adequate crop rotation, improve soil structure and permeability to avoid waterlogging, wide spacing, apply copper-based fungicides if needed.