Mini
pumpkins grow nicely in a home garden and produce tiny orange bits of joy in
late summer, early fall. Though these
pumpkins are just a few inches in diameter, they grow on large vines which
require significant space in your garden.
In June 2012, I planted more than twenty mini pumpkin seeds (from the
genus Cucurbita) and anchored a substantial wooden trellis for
their support . Plants were watered (at
the base) frequently due to prevalence of scorching summer days during this
growing season, and the seedlings thrived.
Soon the tiny tendrils along each vine began to grab onto the trellis
and moved onward and upward.
During
drought, some plant species will abort their blossoms and fruit in order to
preserve the primary plant, I wasn’t sure these vines would produce the tiny
pumpkins I love. Luckily, the vines
produced a plethora of vivid yellow blossoms, and bees continuously worked
among the pumpkin flowers. I was
pleased our hearty vines “gave birth” to four dozen delightful mini pumpkins in
AUG/SEPT.
If you are
thinking about growing mini pumpkins next season, consider the space required
for a successful crop. Even with a vertical
support available, tenacious vines also traveled horizontally and encroached
upon other plants in their vicinity.
Also, since pumpkins are open pollinated, you should not plant
other varieties of pumpkin or squash nearby.
(Long ago I made this mistake and the unsightly “mutant” pumpkins
produced were the result of cross pollination.)
Growing mini
pumpkins is especially fun for children since they watch the progression of
growth, and one day they can harvest the tiny orange bits of joy.
NOTE: If you do not have significant space
available in your home garden, just stop in at Lammscapes in Jackson, WI to buy
your decorative and delightful Jack-Be-Little mini pumpkins! They are only $1 each and can be used in your
autumn décor by themselves, or along with an assortment of winged gourds and
funky pumpkins, available for you during
October.
M. Lynn
Schmid, Certified Master Gardener
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
A.A.S. Landscape/Horticulture/Arboriculture
