No garden but lots of desire to grow pumpkins? Then you grow the pumpkins in a pot on the balcony. Here you can find out how this ambitious project can easily succeed.

Sow behind glass for the perfect start to the season

The pumpkin plants, which need warmth, are only allowed to go outside in the fresh air from the middle/end of May. Cultivation indoors is therefore recommended so that the little plants start the season with a beneficial growth advantage. The fresher the seed, the shorter the germination time.

  • Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for 1 day
  • Plant seed-deep individually in a 6 cm pot in seed soil
  • alternatively, plant 3 seeds in each 9 cm pot
  • Moisten with water from the hand sprayer and cover with foil

An exemplary germination temperature oscillates around 25 degrees Celsius. In this case, the germination time does not take more than 1 week. At the bright window seat with slightly cooler temperatures of around 18 degrees Celsius, growth progresses rapidly. A cover is no longer required.

Pumpkins in large tubs bring a rich harvest

Within 3 to 4 weeks after sowing, seedlings will present several pairs of leaves above the cotyledons. You are now ready to move onto the balcony. Wait for the ice saints before you plant a pumpkin in the tub.

A pot with a volume of at least 60 to 90 liters is suitable. A climbing aid is either already integrated here or you can add a trellis later. As a substrate, you should give preference to nutritious vegetable soil based on compost.

  • Lay a drainage over the floor opening made of potsherds, gravel or pieces of Styrofoam
  • Spread an air- and water-permeable fleece over it
  • Fill in the substrate and use the strongest pumpkin plant
  • Finally pour generously

Place the bucket on a plant trolley so that it can be maneuvered easily. First, the plant should harden off in a sheltered, semi-shady place on the balcony for about 8 days. The pot then takes its final location with many hours of sunshine.

tips and tricks

Small pumpkin varieties such as 'Baby Bear', 'Patisson', 'Acorn Squash' or 'Little Sweet' are ideal for pot culture.

Category:

Vegetable garden