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The most popular crop that is found in the summer cottage of almost any gardener is a pumpkin. As a rule, the pumpkin is undemanding in care, it sprouts rather quickly and ripens in a short time. Due to the wide variety, everyone can choose the right variety for cultivation, depending on the ripening period, appearance and taste. Pumpkin Pink banana is considered an exotic gourd. Unlike the round fruits familiar to all gardeners, it has an elongated shape and resembles a zucchini in appearance. Breeders in the United States have been breeding the Pink Banana pumpkin variety, more than 100 years have passed since then, but in Our Country this variety of culture appeared relatively recently.
Description of the variety of pumpkin Pink banana
If we consider the external description of the Pink Banana pumpkin, it is worth noting that the bushes are long-branched, as a result of which each bush can occupy an area of up to 5 m. If a support is installed, then the Pink Banana pumpkin will actively rise up.
Throughout the summer season, a large number of fruits can be tied, but only if proper care and conditions for growth are provided. Even if the place for growth is chosen extremely unsuccessfully, in any case, at least 2-3 fruits ripen on each bush.
A distinctive feature of the variety is a high level of resistance to most diseases caused by a pathogenic fungus. On the territory of Our Country, pumpkin of the Pink Banana variety can grow well in open ground conditions.
The lashes are quite long and strong, which allows them to support the weight of ripe fruits if a support is installed. The root system is quite powerful and developed. The level of foliage is average. Leaf plates have a rich dark green hue.
Since the Pink Banana pumpkin variety is mid-season, you can start harvesting 90-100 days after planting the crop in open ground.
Description of fruits
In the process of growing pumpkin of the Pink Banana variety, it is worth taking into account the fact that the ovaries may differ in shape even on 1 bush. As a rule, ripe fruits have an elongated shape, are able to reach a length of up to 1,2-1,5 m, are of medium thickness and resemble zucchini in appearance. A distinctive feature in this case is a pointed nose. If we compare the ratio of length and thickness, then it will be 4:1. Some fruits can be curved, thereby resembling a banana, which is why such a name was given to the variety.
The peel of the pumpkin is quite dense, during technical ripeness it has a light shade – pink-yellow, a little soft. As the fruit ripens, the gourd begins to cork, becoming very hard when the period of biological ripeness is reached. During this period of time, the Pink Banana pumpkin acquires a pink color, which also has an orange tint. If you cut a ripe fruit, you can hear how it crunches.
When cut, you can see the pulp of a rich orange color, it is homogeneous, the fibers are completely absent. Given the reviews of gardeners, it is worth noting the excellent taste of ripe fruits. The pulp is very tender, with a pronounced sweet taste, while the aroma is rather weak. Pumpkin contains a large amount of nutrients, including trace elements. Due to the large amount of beta-carotene, the pulp of ripe fruits acquires such a rich color.
Pumpkin Pink banana in the photo:
Characteristics of a variety
If we consider the characteristics of the Pink Banana pumpkin variety, then it is worth noting the following points:
- the variety is mid-season;
- you can start harvesting the finished crop 90-100 days after planting in open ground;
- ripe fruits are universal;
- the average length of a pumpkin is 1,2 m;
- if necessary, can be used for long-term storage;
- excellent taste;
- unpretentiousness of culture;
- stable harvest;
- high level of resistance to many types of diseases and pests;
- fetal weight can vary from 5 to 18 kg;
- at least 3 fruits appear on each bush, even under adverse growing conditions;
- due to the absence of fibers in the pulp, the taste is preserved even after frost;
- if necessary, it can be grown on the territory of Our Country in open ground.
It is recommended to start growing the variety only after all the characteristics, advantages and disadvantages of the pink banana variety pumpkin have been carefully studied.
Pest and disease resistance
As already mentioned, a distinctive feature of the Pink Banana pumpkin variety is a high level of resistance to the appearance of pests and various diseases.
The first signs of the disease are:
- brown ulcers;
- the fruits begin to darken, traces of rot appear;
- pumpkin growth is uneven.
As soon as these symptoms have been detected on at least one pumpkin of the Pink Banana variety, it must be removed immediately, and the remaining bushes should be treated with Bordeaux mixture, which will prevent the development of the disease.
In addition, it should be borne in mind that pests, for example, aphids and spider mites, can also cause significant damage to the variety. In order to reduce the number of pests that have appeared, it is necessary to prepare a special solution: add onion husks to the water and insist for 24 hours.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pumpkin variety Pink banana has the following advantages:
- A large number of useful properties – the culture is rich in macronutrients and vitamins. If you regularly eat pumpkin, you can normalize the digestive system.
- If necessary, you can store for a long time – for 6 months.
- Excellent taste and attractive appearance.
- Fast ripening process – harvesting can begin 90-100 days after planting in open ground.
- Ripe fruits can be eaten fresh.
Among the shortcomings of the variety, many gardeners note the need to regularly water the crop. In addition, there is a possibility that pests will appear.
Cultivation technology
You can grow a variety in seedlings or plant planting material immediately in open ground, as well as in greenhouse conditions. As a rule, seedlings are grown in the first half of April. Planting a crop in a permanent place of growth is recommended as carefully as possible so as not to damage the root system. During planting, it is recommended to leave a distance of up to 1 m between the bushes.
Caring for your Pink Banana Gourd is regular watering, fertilizing as it grows, and removing weeds. If necessary, you can install a support, as a result of which the whips will stretch upwards, and not along the ground. The harvesting of the finished crop is started 90-100 days after planting the crop in open ground.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Pink banana can rightfully become a decoration of any garden. In addition, it should be borne in mind that ripe fruits have excellent taste qualities that will appeal to all family members. Since the pumpkin is moderately sweet, it is actively used in cooking for the preparation of a wide variety of dishes. You can use not only the juicy pulp, but also the seeds. The product is low-calorie, about 100 kcal per 24 g. A distinctive feature is the unpretentiousness of the culture, all that is required is timely watering and periodic fertilization for better pumpkin growth.
