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Pumpkin Atlantic giant is one of the best types of melon culture, which has rightfully earned its place in the hearts of gardeners. In total, there are approximately 27 varieties of pumpkin, which in China is proudly called the “Queen of Vegetables”. However, the greatest interest of gardeners was attracted by three varieties of giant pumpkins: Atlant, Sugar Giant and Siberian Giant – due to the unique characteristics of the fruit and the peculiarities of agricultural technology.
Description of varieties of giant pumpkin
The origin of this gourd culture is associated with South America, but today it can be found in almost any country in the world. The giant pumpkin, or large-fruited pumpkin, is an annual plant with well-developed long and powerful stems on which creeping tendrils grow. On large petioles of the plant – huge dark green leaves. The flower stalks of the giant pumpkin are also quite large, bright yellow, with very fragrant petals turned outward.
Atlantic giant
The Atlantic giant pumpkin variety is a medium-late, climbing plant, with well-developed powerful stems and large leaves. Smooth, wide ellipsoid fruits have a pronounced segmentation and an orange-yellow skin.
Pumpkin Atlantic giant perfectly tolerates transportation and long-term storage. It is popular with gardeners due to its high yield and resistance to common diseases of gourds.
sugar giant
This is a large-fruited, slightly climbing pumpkin variety, reaching maturity on the 110th – 130th day after planting. Pumpkin Sugar Giant is well stored and transported and, interestingly, reveals better taste qualities of fruits during long-term storage.
Siberian giant
This is a mid-late variety, characterized by high yields and is famous for its good taste of fruits. Pumpkin ripens 105 – 120 days after sowing seeds, it requires a lot of space, which must be taken into account when planting. The Siberian giant pumpkin is good for both human consumption and as animal feed, so it is often planted for use in silage.
Description of fruits
Ripe fruits of the Atlantic giant variety are round-oval in shape, weighing 50-70 kg. Their flesh is bright orange, firm, very juicy, fragrant and sweet. The variety is also characterized by good transportability and long-term storage. This variety is eaten both raw and heat-treated, and, in addition, is used to make juice and various vegetable juices.
The fruits of the sugar giant pumpkin reach a mass of up to 65 – 80 kg (with intensive care). The pulp, on average, has a thickness of 8 – 10 cm. In structure, it is firm, juicy, and bright orange in color. The fruits of this variety are suitable for long-term storage. They are used for cooking various dishes by heat treatment, as well as raw (as an ingredient for vegetable salads).
The Siberian giant is distinguished by rich in color, slightly segmented spherical fruits. Their flesh is loose, creamy yellow in color, contains a huge amount of vitamins, mineral salts and organic acids. The variety is considered dietary and is valued for its beneficial properties.
Characteristics of varieties
All three varieties are well adapted for growing in harsh climatic conditions, therefore they are loved by the inhabitants of Siberia and the Urals. Since all pumpkin crops are thermophilic, it is recommended to cover young plants with a film at night in cold summer conditions.
The large-fruited Atlantic giant pumpkin, like the Siberian and Sugar giant, has a short vegetative period, which makes it possible to harvest from this crop in regions with a short summer.
All three varieties are characterized by good drought tolerance, however, since the fruits of the variety to which they belong are quite large, in order to maximize the fruit weight gain, the plant needs regular watering and top dressing.
Pest and disease resistance
The Atlantic giant, like the other two varieties, is quite resistant to pests and diseases. But under adverse conditions, the culture can be affected by gray and white rot, anthracnose and powdery mildew.
To reduce the risk of disease, pumpkin is grown with the obligatory observance of crop rotation rules. Pumpkin is very demanding on its predecessors. The best options for her are planting potatoes, onions, cabbage, root crops and legumes. Cucumbers, zucchini, squash will be dangerous predecessor crops that can provoke diseases and the invasion of pests common to these plants.
In addition to diseases, the culture suffers from pests such as spider mites and aphids. Therefore, the tops and leaves must be regularly inspected for damage by diseases or parasites, and the identified diseased areas on the lashes should be removed. For prevention, spraying is usually carried out with a solution of laundry soap, ash and infusion of onion peel.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pumpkin Atlantic giant has both advantages and some disadvantages. Its advantages include the following features:
- frost and drought resistance;
- ability to withstand sudden changes in temperature;
- good yield;
- dietary properties of fruits;
- transportability and keeping quality.
There are few disadvantages:
- special exactingness of the plant to the composition of the soil;
- insufficient resistance to certain diseases.
How to grow a giant pumpkin
If you follow all the rules of agricultural technology, even an inexperienced beginner can grow any of the three varieties of large-fruited pumpkin.
In addition, when choosing a place, it should be borne in mind that all large-fruited pumpkins are characterized by strong weaving, and therefore, they need special supports, trellises or a fence.
All three varieties of pumpkins presented are quite demanding on the composition of the soil, so a good harvest can only be obtained when planted in nutrient soil: it is ideal if there are loamy or sandy soils. In heavy or acidic soil, the pumpkin will not give a good harvest, therefore dolomite flour or lime must be added.
The beds for sowing pumpkins begin to be prepared in the fall, they are dug up and fertilized: humus or compost with the calculation of 4-5 kg per 1 m2, as well as 30 g of superphosphate.
The giant squash is usually grown using seedlings to ensure they have time to harvest in Our Country’s harsh climate. Seeds for seedlings are sown in April. To improve germination, they are pre-soaked in any growth stimulator and germinated in a damp towel. After that, the germinated seeds are planted to a depth of 5-6 cm in individual peat pots.
Seedlings are planted in a permanent place towards the end of May-beginning of June, when the earth has warmed up to a depth of 10-12 cm. By this time, young sprouts already have 3-4 true leaves. The planting pattern should be such that the plants have freedom, since all large-fruited pumpkin varieties need space. Usually they leave from 1 to 1,5 meters between each bush both in length and in width.
The giant pumpkin needs to be fed twice during the entire season: when planting seedlings in a permanent place and during the period of active formation of lashes. Diluted infusion of mullein (1:10) or bird droppings (1:20), as well as mineral complexes, for example, Nitrophoska, are used as fertilizers.
To grow a giant pumpkin, it is important to properly form the bush. Usually one main lash is left, on which no more than 2 – 3 ovaries are allowed. All other lashes and ovaries are removed. After the appearance of the fourth leaf from the ovaries, the main lash is also pinched.
Throughout the season, all care comes down to regular watering, loosening and weeding. It is important to avoid waterlogging and water the plant as the topsoil dries out. In order for the pulp to be sweeter, during the fruit ripening period, the giant pumpkin should be watered sparingly.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Atlantic giant is one of the most favorite large-fruited varieties among gardeners, along with the Siberian and Sugar giant. All three varieties are unpretentious in care, have a high yield and excellent taste. The only small minus of these varieties is their low resistance to pests and diseases, however, preventive measures taken in time make this drawback insignificant.
