Melon pumpkin variety, adored by gardeners for its sweet taste and extraordinary aroma.

Pumpkin is considered one of the most healthy and nutritious vegetable crops. It contains a large number of microelements that have a positive effect on the condition of the whole organism. Thanks to this, the vegetable is recommended for children's and dietary nutrition. Pumpkin is universal in use: it is suitable for both savory main courses and sweet desserts and juices.

In the countries of the former CIS, pumpkin is grown everywhere. It takes root well in our climate and is easy to care for. Among the abundance of melon and melon varieties, Melon pumpkin is popular. Why it received such a name and what secrets of its agricultural technology exist, read on.

General description of the variety

Melon pumpkin is a large-fruited, hard-barked variety bred by Russian breeders. It was included in the State Register in 2006.

The originator of the variety is considered to be the Poisk Agrofirm. Seeds are produced by several manufacturers.

Distinctive features

The vegetable is large in size. The weight of one fruit with proper agricultural technology can reach 30 kg.

The variety is not only large-fruited: it is listed in the register as hard-barked. The thick shell allows the fruit to be stored for more than 1 year.

Melon differs from other pumpkin varieties with similar characteristics in its unusual taste. It is sweet and juicy, with a distinct melon aroma. The pulp is dense. When heated, it retains its shape.

This representative of melons contains increased amounts of beta-carotene, vitamins B, C and A, fiber, sodium and magnesium. Valuable substances have a positive effect on the condition of the liver, skin, intestines, stomach, and strengthen the immune system. Melon is suitable for dietary and baby food.

Unlike many other varieties, this vegetable is not afraid of low temperatures - it can withstand temperatures down to +2 °C. Growing is possible in the Urals and Siberia.

Main characteristics

The description of the Melon pumpkin will please both beginners and experienced gardeners. The variety is easy to grow in any region of our country.

Pumpkin agricultural technology Melon

Even in our country with a less favorable climate, it is not difficult to grow a pumpkin. This crop requires minimal care and is resistant to temperature changes.

The Melon variety is capable of growing in open ground conditions not only in the southern and central, but also in the northern regions. It is resistant to night frosts. However, at constant outside temperatures of +10 °C, such a pumpkin stops development.

It is important to choose the right area of ​​the garden for the vegetable. Suitable beds that will be well lit by the sun. The soil should be loose but fertile.

Advice. Optimal planting is near a manure heap. This reduces the amount of necessary fertilizing.

The correct choice of crops preceding pumpkin helps to avoid diseases. Vegetables are not planted in beds where cucumbers, zucchini and other melons grew last year. Previous plants should include nightshades, legumes and any root vegetables.

In the fall, pumpkin beds are prepared by clearing weeds. 7 kg of manure and 15 g of superphosphate and potassium chloride are added per 1 m2.

If the soil is too dense, river sand will correct the situation. To make slightly acidic soil, use ash.

The soil is dug up to a depth of 20 cm, loosened and mixed with fertilizers.

In spring, the beds are cleared of weeds and leveled. Then pour in a solution of copper sulfate.

Landing

Melon is grown by seedlings and without seedlings. In the northern and central regions, it is recommended to use the second method.

Before sowing, seeds are prepared to accelerate germination, reduce the likelihood of plant disease and increase resistance to temperature changes:

1. They're sorting through. The largest specimens are left for planting.They should be dense, not dry and without dark spots.
2. Soak with warm water (+40...+50 °C) by soaking for 3 hours. During this time, the liquid should not cool. To do this, the container is placed on the battery.
3. Sprout. The swollen seeds are wrapped in gauze moistened with warm water, placed on a saucer, covered with film and left at room temperature until they hatch. During this time, the fabric should not dry out.
4. Increases cold resistance of seeds, placing in the refrigerator for 3 days before planting.

Seedling method

For growing pumpkin seedlings, choose window sills on the south side. Room temperature will do.

Advice. Melon does not tolerate picking well. Gardeners recommend using peat pots for growing, from which there is no need to remove plants when replanting.

A universal soil mixture sold in gardening stores is suitable for seedlings. To prepare the soil yourself, mix peat and sand in equal proportions.

To disinfect the soil, water it with boiling water or a dark pink solution of potassium permanganate. Peat pots, unlike plastic ones, are not disinfected.

Pumpkin seeds are planted in pots in pairs, buried 2 cm in the soil, sprinkled with peat and watered with warm water.

To obtain strong plants, it is important to observe the temperature regime when growing seedlings:

• before the first shoots appear - +25...+30 °C;
• within a week after this - +15...+25 °C;
• next week - +15...+18 °C;
• then at room temperature.

Water the plants as the soil dries out. It is important to avoid stagnation of water, which leads to rotting of the roots.

2 weeks after the emergence of seedlings, fertilizing is applied - “Nitrophoska” or mullein.

Pumpkin is planted in open ground after 3 true leaves appear. Good seedlings are squat and have short internodes. They begin to grow it in the second half of April, and plant it in open ground after 22 days.

The optimal distance between plants is 1 m. 1 liter of water is poured into each hole before planting the pumpkin.

Seeds

In the southern regions, this method of growing pumpkins is also possible. Seeds are planted in open ground when the soil temperature reaches +15 °C. The optimal time is considered to be the second ten days of May.

Holes are dug at a distance of 1 m from each other. Experienced gardeners advise making them of different depths (6–10 cm each). This increases the germination of planting material.

The width of the holes varies between 20–30 cm. Humus or mullein is poured into the bottom of each hole, where 2 seeds are then placed.

The holes are sprinkled with soil, without compacting, and moistened abundantly with warm water.

Care

To grow healthy plants with high yields, they need to be properly cared for.

The list contains the basic rules:

1. The beds need regular watering. Up to 3 liters of water at room temperature are poured onto one plant. Moisturizing should be especially abundant during the flowering period. It is important that water does not fall on the ground part of the pumpkin - this will increase the risk of burns on the leaves.
2. After each watering and rain, the soil is loosened and weeds are removed.
3. The first feeding is applied after the appearance of 5 leaves, the second - when the lashes are formed. Then fertilizers are applied every 14 days, alternating feeding with mullein, ash and Nitrophoska.
4. A stronger plant is left in the hole. Second pinching.
5. The growth of pumpkin vines must be limited after 6 leaves. They remove not only extra stepsons, but also ovaries. No more than 3 fruits are left on 1 shoot.
6. When the length of the lashes reaches 1 meter, they are pressed to the ground in 2 or 3 places. This prevents damage and promotes the formation of additional roots.
7. It is recommended to install trellises. Another option is to tie a strong thread to the roof and throw whips along it.

Possible difficulties

When growing pumpkins, beginning gardeners face a number of problems. These may include the following:

1. The seeds do not germinate. One of the reasons for this is poor-quality planting material. The other is cold soil. The third is the use of cold water for irrigation.
2. Weak pumpkin sprouts. The reason often lies in poor soil. To save plants, increase the frequency of fertilizing with cow manure.
3. Rotting pumpkin roots. This happens if weak plants growing in one hole or container are not broken off, but pulled out.
4. Few ovaries. Artificial pollination will help. To do this, male flowers with longer pedicels are cut off and the stamens are applied to the stigmas of female flowers.
5. The absence of ovaries and a lot of greenery indicate excessive application of fertilizers.
6. Ugly ovaries. Formed if more than 1 fruit remains on 1 lash. To prevent this, leave no more than 3 lashes on the plant.
7. The fruits do not ripen. This happens when they are shaded by leaves. Such greenery is cut with pruning shears.

Advice from experienced gardeners

Experienced farmers know the secrets of growing pumpkin that can increase its yield:

1. If the lashes wind along the rope towards the roof, it is better to secure the fruits that form on them. To do this, they are strengthened by tying them with mesh bags.
2. During the period of yellowing of the fruits, stop watering. This improves the taste of the pumpkin.
3. A wooden base is placed under the fruits to prevent them from rotting.

Diseases and pests

Melon pumpkin has low immunity to diseases of melon crops. When growing it, it is especially important to follow the rules of prevention:

1. Not only seeds, soil and containers for seedlings are disinfected, but also garden tools.
2. Stepping is carried out when the sun is inactive - in the morning or at sunset.
3. Plants are sprayed with Bordeaux mixture (a solution of copper sulfate in lime water).
4. The above-ground part of the vegetables is sprayed with a soap solution (1 piece of laundry soap is dissolved in 1 bucket of water) or a decoction of herbs (celandine, chamomile, dandelion, wormwood) in order to prevent pest damage to the pumpkin.

There are several diseases specific to pumpkin. Below are the most common ones:

1. Bacteriosis. Knobby brown spots appear on the above-ground parts of the plant (fruits, leaves and stems), from which holes form. There is no cure. Diseased pumpkins are thrown away.
2. White rot. Leaves, stems and ovaries are covered with a white coating that is slimy to the touch. The affected parts soon rot. To save the plant, remove infected leaves and ovaries. The cut areas and spots on the stems are sprinkled with crushed coal.
3. Root rot. The roots take on a brown tint. The bushes lose turgor, stop growing, and the leaves turn yellow. In the early stages of disease development, melons are watered with a light solution of potassium permanganate and hilled. Thanks to this, new roots are formed.

Among the pests that are dangerous for Melon are slugs, melon aphids, and spider mites. Large individuals are collected by hand, and the bushes are treated with Iskra, Fitoverm, and Akarin preparations.

Harvesting and application

Pumpkin fruits are harvested at the end of August.They are cut with a knife along with the stalk.

Store the vegetable as a whole in a cool, dry place. The crop is also harvested in dry weather.

It is important to pick only ripe fruits. The following signs indicate their maturation:

1. The stalks become dry and hard.
2. The fruits acquire a rich yellow color. A greenish spot is allowed only at the base.
3. Pumpkin rind feels hard and durable.
4. Leaves become limp and yellow.

Melon pumpkin is gastronomically versatile. It is suitable for preparing main dishes and desserts. It makes delicious juice.

Advantages and disadvantages of the variety

Benefits of culture:

• unusual melon aroma;
• cold resistance;
• high yield rates;
• versatility of use;
• large fruit;
• keeping quality.

Disadvantages include low immunity to diseases.

Farmer reviews

Gardeners love Melon for its pleasant, refreshing taste. Reviews about it are mostly positive.

Anna, Belgorod: “I’ve been growing Melon for several years now. This is my favorite variety. The fruits are large, beautiful, as in the photo, and very tasty. The largest pumpkin I managed to grow weighed 27 kg. I leave only 2 lashes on one plant. This way the fruits turn out larger.”

Oleg, Shumerlya: “I grow Melon pumpkin in a compost heap. I'm pleased with the result. I plant only 3 bushes. The harvest is enough for the whole year. The pulp actually has a melon flavor. It’s very good baked with honey.”

Read also:

Winter Sweet Pumpkin, popular among farmers.

The most unusual type of Luffa pumpkin.

The benefits and harms of pumpkin juice for men, women and children.

Conclusion

Melon pumpkin will appeal to lovers of large-fruited varieties - with proper cultivation, multi-seeded fruits reach 30 kg. It has an unusual taste - the juicy pulp has the aroma of melon. Thanks to this, it is used not only in main dishes, but also in desserts and juices.

Growing Melon is not difficult even in the climatic conditions of the central and northern regions of Russia. The variety has increased cold resistance. The only negative is the low immunity to diseases characteristic of melon crops. However, timely prevention will solve this problem.