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When to remove pumpkin from the garden for storage
The beginning of the harvest period gives rise to the natural question of when to remove the pumpkin from the garden so that it has time to fully ripen. Unpretentiousness to the effects of external factors allows the fruits to remain in the garden until frost. The longer they stay on the branch, the healthier and tastier they will become.
Signs of pumpkin ripeness: when to put it away for storage
The main determining factor in the ripening of fruits is the variety of the plant, and also much depends on the weather conditions for the entire summer period. The timing is different in different climatic zones.
When to remove pumpkin from the garden, they will tell you signs of fruit ripeness
The main determining factor in the ripening of fruits is the variety of the plant, and also much depends on the weather conditions for the entire summer period. The timing is different in different climatic zones. But there are some signs by which one can judge the ripeness of the pumpkin:
- Look at the junction of the fruit with the branch. When the vegetable is ready and fully ripe, the stalk begins to gradually die off and becomes hard, like a tree;
- In the classic representation of a pumpkin, its ripe fruit is bright orange in color. But there are varieties that have a green or gray skin color and do not change it. Therefore, this feature may not always help in determining maturity;
- Greens give all their strength for the formation and nutrition of fruits, therefore, by the time of harvesting, the leaves and stem begin to dry and gradually die;
- By the end of ripening, the structure of the peel changes. It becomes dense, rigid, it is difficult to leave a mark on its surface.
If you notice these signs, you can safely remove the fruit and send it to storage.
When and how should pumpkin be harvested correctly?
In determining maturity, not only external characteristics will help, but the declared characteristics of each variety:
- early maturing species should be planted in regions with cold climates and short summers. They have time to fully ripen, but their pulp is not as tasty and healthy as that of other varieties. The most valuable thing in such fruits is the seeds. The harvest period is at the end of August. You do not need to leave them in the garden for a longer time – the pulp can change its consistency, become loose;
- mid-season varieties are the most popular among summer residents. The fruits are rich in nutrients, grow large and can be stored for a long time. The main condition is to harvest before frost. Therefore, in the middle lane, pumpkins are removed in September, and even earlier in the northern regions;
- late varieties are sweet, with a rich taste. They mature for more than 4,5 months from the moment of planting, therefore they are grown in the southern regions. In colder climates, such pumpkins are removed from the branch ahead of time, before frost, and left to ripen for about 2 months. In this case, they will not be stored for long, no more than 5 months.
The most delicious and healthy pumpkins are those ripened on branches and harvested on time. Choose the right pumpkin varieties for your climatic conditions.