Like all cucurbits, the Hokkaido squash is very sensitive to cold. Therefore, both the seeds and the early young plants should only be brought outside after the ice saints - ergo around mid-May. Pumpkin seeds should not be grown too early, otherwise the plants will become very large by the time they are planted out.

What makes more sense: direct sowing or preferring?

The experts disagree on this question. Some believe that plants sown directly are stronger, healthier and more resilient than those that have been raised, while others believe that plants that have been raised bear fruit more quickly. Who is actually right is not so easy to answer - you have to try it yourself. Because which method is more successful depends primarily on the soil and climatic conditions on site. In northern Germany, for example, it usually makes more sense to prefer plants, while direct sowing is more successful in southern Germany.

Sow Hokkaido directly outdoors

To sow Hokkaido seeds directly outdoors, you should first dig up, loosen and fertilize the soil well. It is best to put plenty of stable manure into the soil in autumn before you plan to sow - this then has plenty of time to decompose until spring and thus enrich the soil with nitrogen. Two to three seed kernels are placed in a small depression about one centimeter deep and loosely covered with substrate. Always keep the bed moist but not wet. You will see the first tender tips after about a week or two, provided it is warm enough. If several seed kernels have emerged per seed hole, you must move the surplus plants as quickly as possible.

Prefer Hokkaido

Hokkaido can be preferred on the windowsill at home from around mid to late March. To do this, put one or two seeds per plant pot in the appropriate growing soil, whereby the seed should be about one to two centimeters deep and loosely covered with soil. Spray the soil with room-temperature, stale water and cover the pot with cling film. The pot should be in a warm, sunny spot. The seedlings will germinate within a week or two and will grow very quickly. From mid-May, the strong pumpkin plants can finally be planted outdoors.

You need this for pre-growing your pumpkin plants

  • pumpkin seed
  • several plant pots
  • Potting soil or nutrient-rich substrate
  • spray bottle with water
  • cling film and rubber band

tips and tricks

Squash pairs well with spring onions, spring onions, lettuce, corn, and runner beans. On the other hand, socializing with other pumpkin varieties, especially ornamental pumpkins, makes less sense. Pumpkins are cross-pollinators, and Hokkaido squash fertilized with inedible ornamental squashes will also become inedible.

Category:

Vegetable garden