The tasty and very healthy Hokkaido pumpkin has been very popular with us for about 20 years. It has surpassed many local pumpkin varieties and can also be used in many ways. Find out how you can also grow this specialty in your garden.

Where does the delicious edible pumpkin come from?

The Hokkaido pumpkin originally comes from Japan, more precisely: from the Japanese island "Hokkaido". However, you will look in vain for this pumpkin variety in Japan under the name "Hokkaido", because there it is called "Uchiki Kuri".

Can the Hokkaido pumpkin also be grown in Europe?

Since the climate on the Japanese island of Hokkaido is quite similar to that in Central Europe, the colorful Hokkaido pumpkin also thrives in our latitudes. Incidentally, the variety is very productive and can be easily stored after harvest.

Where can I get Hokkaido pumpkin seeds?

You can now get Hokkaido pumpkin seeds in any well-stocked garden store. However, you can also dry the seeds from purchased pumpkins and use them for sowing.

How are the little plants brought forward?

Hokkaido pumpkins should be grown on the windowsill or in the greenhouse from around the beginning to mid-March. The best way to do this is to take potting soil and cover the seeds loosely with a layer of substrate. Keep the soil moist but not wet.

When can I plant the plants outside?

The plants can go outside as soon as no more night frosts are to be expected. Like almost all winter squashes, Hokkaido's cold does not tolerate well.

How far apart are the plants placed?

You will achieve the best yield if you plant a total of eight plants per square meter: Hokkaido pumpkins do not grow large at a maximum of two kilograms, but are usually about the size of a grapefruit. However, the fruits get bigger the more space a plant has.

What is ideal Hokkaido soil like?

Ideal Hokkaido soil is loose, nutrient-rich and rich in nitrogen. For this purpose, plenty of stable manure should be worked into the soil in the previous year. In the spring you need to work the soil deeply, i. H. dig properly.

Which location is suitable?

Hokkaido pumpkin, like all pumpkins, loves the blazing sun.

How often does it need to be fertilized and watered?

Water your plants regularly, especially once the fruit begins to grow. However, you only need to fertilize a little for this. Incidentally, pumpkins respond very well to nettle manure.

When can I harvest?

It takes quite a long time from sowing to harvest: Hokkaido pumpkins are usually only harvested between September and November.

Good and bad neighbors

If possible, you should plant different pumpkin varieties separately, as they can pollinate each other. Hokkaido pumpkins (just like other winter pumpkins) harmonize perfectly with corn and runner beans. Plant them together in a bed, South American native style.

tips and tricks

Snails love young pumpkin plants. Therefore, when planting the young plants in the bed, put a glass over each one so that the vermin have no chance of getting at them.

Category:

Vegetable garden