🎃 How to Grow Red Pumpkin from Seeds
Common Names:
Hindi: कद्दू (Kaddu)
Tamil: பரங்கிக்காய் (Parangikkai)
Telugu: గుమ్మడికాయ (Gummadikaya)
Malayalam: മത്തങ്ങ (Mathanga)
Kannada: ಕುಂಬಳಕಾಯಿ (Kumbalakayi)
English: Red Pumpkin
Botanical Name: Cucurbita maxima

1. 🌱 Choose the Right Season

Warm-season vine crop

Best time to sow:

• Spring-Summer Crop: Jan–Apr

• Monsoon Crop: Jun–Jul (ensure good drainage)

Ideal Temperature: 22°C to 32°C

2. 🌾 Prepare the Soil

Soil Type: Loose, well-drained sandy loam or loamy soil
pH Level: Slightly acidic to neutral (6.0–7.0)

Enrich with:

• Organic compost

• Cow dung manure or vermicompost

• Neem cake powder (prevents root pests)

Raised beds help prevent waterlogging.

3. 🌿 Sow the Seeds

Depth: 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep

Spacing:

• In-ground: 3–4 feet between plants; 5–6 feet between rows

• In containers: Use large 18–24 inch pots; sow 2–3 seeds and thin to the strongest seedling

Water gently after sowing.

4. 💧 Watering

Keep soil consistently moist during germination and early growth
Reduce watering during fruit ripening to enhance sweetness and prevent rot
Avoid wetting leaves; use base watering or drip

5. 🌱 Germination

Seeds germinate in 6–10 days
Provide warmth and sunlight
Thin extra seedlings early to prevent overcrowding

6. ☀️ Sunlight & Temperature

Needs 6–8 hours of full sunlight daily
Grows best between 22°C to 32°C
Provide space or a trellis for vines to spread

7. 🌼 Fertilization

Feed every 2–3 weeks with:

• Organic compost

• Banana peel tea or seaweed fertilizer during flowering

• Avoid excess nitrogen to prevent leafy overgrowth

8. 🛡️ Pest Control

Common issues: Aphids, fruit flies, powdery mildew
Prevention:

• Neem oil + mild soap spray every 10–15 days

• Remove dried or infected leaves regularly

• Ensure proper airflow

9. 🎃 Harvesting

Ready in 90–120 days
Signs of ripeness:

• Skin turns deep orange/red

• Fruit sounds hollow when tapped

• Stem becomes dry or starts to crack

Harvest with a sharp knife, leaving a small stem attached.

10. 🔁 Regrow Tip

Let one fruit fully mature on the vine
Scoop out seeds, wash off pulp, and dry thoroughly
Store seeds in a cool, dry place for future sowing

🧡 Health Benefits of Red Pumpkin

• Rich in vitamin A and beta-carotene

• Boosts immunity and vision

• High in dietary fiber – supports digestion

• Low calorie – aids weight management

• Great for soups, curries, stews, desserts