Cucurbita pepo is a versatile pumpkin variety, known for its variety of shapes, colors, and sizes. These fast-growing, sun-loving plants produce edible fruits and ornamental gourds, ideal for vegetable gardens, garden borders, and fall decorations.
Cucurbita pepo species is exceptionally versatile and includes a wide range of vegetables and ornamental fruits. These include zucchini, pumpkins, patissons, and several other varieties. The fruits have hard, angular stems, unlike the soft stems of Cucurbita maxima and Cucurbita moschata .
Cucurbita pepo fruits are edible. Some varieties, such as ornamental gourds, are purely for decoration and can be poisonous.
Cucurbita pepo includes both climbing and shrubby varieties . Climbing varieties require support, while shrubby varieties remain more compact.
Because the plants can grow quite fast, a distance of 75 to 100 cm between the seeds is recommended.
Zucchini is best when harvested young, about 15 cm long.
Harvest pumpkins when the skin is hard and deeply colored, and the stem is dry and corky. The skin should not dent when pressed with your fingernail.
Store pumpkins in a cool, dark, dry, and well-ventilated place (10-15ºC). They can keep for up to two months this way.
