It really does exist, the perennial gourd. Not particularly tasty, but decorative to such an extent that the prairie squash is worth propagating. So use the long runners for vegetative propagation by division.
In this way, the runners root in no time at all
The prairie squash stands out from the crowd in the large cucurbit family. It anchors itself deep in the ground with a taproot that is up to 150 cm long. Thanks to the numerous foothills, it offers plenty of material at the same time to be able to propagate the plant vegetatively. Hobby gardeners who don't want to bother with sowing have a choice here.
- carefully lift a spur out of the ground in autumn
- Cut several sections over a length of 5 centimeters
- the outward cut is cut straight
- the opposite section runs obliquely for better orientation with regard to polarity
Both cut surfaces are immediately treated with charcoal ash to protect them from attack by fungal spores or pests. More than half of a stolon should not be removed. If you want more root cuttings, dig up another specimen.
Throughout the winter in frost-free quarters
The prepared root cuttings are planted without a long delay so that they start rooting quickly.
- fill small pots with peat sand or commercial potting soil
- a drainage layer prevents the formation of waterlogging
- place a root cutting 5 cm deep in the substrate
- the diagonally cut end points towards the bottom of the pot
- keep in a partially shaded, sheltered spot in the garden until the first frost
The plants spend the winter in a frost-free room or in the cold frame. During this time, they only get enough water to keep the little pumpkin plants from drying out. If two to three pairs of leaves have developed in spring, plant the young pumpkins in a suitable location. From this point on, they are cared for like an adult cucurbit.
tips and tricks
If you miss the fall deadline to propagate a prairie squash by division, no drama. As soon as the ground has thawed in spring, the procedure can also be carried out. In this case, the root cuttings can be planted immediately in the designated place in the bed or tub.