Originating in subtropical South America, this species has
long-running stems and large, nearly circular leaves that are hardly
lobed.
The feature by which it is recognized is the fruit stalk, which is
large, not ridged, and of a soft corky texture.
It includes a large group of pumpkins with very hard blue-gray or
orange skins, including the gigantic show pumpkins, some of the
pumpkins used for livestock feed, and some of the winter squashes
including a great variety of shapes, sizes and colors, often with
ornamented skins.
Cultivation: Most species of this genus are easy to raise and have
the same need of a warm, rich soil.
Watering all seedlings well before planting.
They do best planted on raised mounds of soil mixed with well rotted
compost and manure.
Watch for slugs and keep well irrigated as they are water hungry. |
