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Pumpkin. How to care for it?

ozma83ozma83 Posts: 38
in Fruit & veg
hello everyone! 

I need some advice on a pumpkin plant I am raising. 

I planted it from a seed months ago - it has now grown into a young plant - about 20/30cm height. I love pumpkins and I really want to make sure it doesn’t die. 

Do you have advice as how to care for it?

it is currently in a pot on my balcony, I have a trellis but I’m currently training it to lay flat on the ground (I have it in a pretty big and long pot filled with compost). 

It has developed some flower buds - I’ve read about Male and female flowers and how I will probably need to pollinate it since there isn’t many bees around sadly in my balcony. 

I have been cutting off wilted leaves and giving it liquid tomato feed as recommended. 

Do you have any advice for me?

will the current temperature damage it - should I bring it inside, or cover it at night?

Is there any hope at all that it will produce a fruit? 

And finally - should it grow upright, or on the ground?


thanks so much for all your advice in advance! I am new to gardening and I would hate to lose this plant :(



Posts

  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    Hello and well done you for cultivating your pumpkin plant.  Unfortunately, it is probably a wee bit late for the flowers to develop fruit as most fruit from the pumpkin family is ready or just about ready to be harvested.  

    Just enjoy the green of the plant.
    Cheers
    Tui
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

  • ozma83ozma83 Posts: 38
    Ok, thanks both. How can I care for the plant that I have now- will low temperatures kill it?
  • ozma83ozma83 Posts: 38
    Ugh, how sad. I might try to bring it indoors in that case. 

    Should I keep it upright? 
  • tui34tui34 Posts: 3,493
    This type of plant has only a limited life and even if you take it indoors, it will die a natural death.  If you wish to keep it upright, then do so.
      
    @philippasmith2  advises you to start earlier next year and perhaps choose a smaller pumpkin variety.  She will also advise you when to start your pumpkin from seed or when to plant a plant which will be the best growing conditions for the area you live in.  
    A good hoeing is worth two waterings.

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