Decorative, climbing plants with striking fruits in various colors and shapes. Perfect for decoration and in gardens, pergolas, or borders, they add an exotic and playful touch.
This may be due to insufficient pollination. Cucurbita plants produce male flowers first, followed by female flowers.
Female flowers have a small, undeveloped fruit at the base of the flower. Male flowers have a long, thin stem.
Snails love young seedlings. Protect them with snail pellets, copper rings, or by growing them in pots.
Besides snails, aphids and spider mites can also cause problems. Good hygiene and regular inspections help keep pests under control.
The fruit is ripe when the stem is hard and dry, and the skin is firm and deep-colored. Test this by pressing the skin with a fingernail; it shouldn't dent.
Curing is the hardening of the skin after harvest. Place the fruits in the sun or in a warm, dry place for one to two weeks. This extends their shelf life.
Store the fruits in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Depending on the variety, they can be stored for 6 months or longer.
White varieties sometimes discolor if not stored in the dark.
