πΈ Quick Botanical Profile
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Botanical Name: Cucurbita moschata / Cucurbita pepo
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Family: Cucurbitaceae
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Pollination: Cross-pollinated (bee-pollinated)
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Flowering Habit: Monoecious (male and female flowers on same plant)
π When to Plant in Pakistan
Region | Spring Season | Monsoon Season |
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Punjab, Sindh, Balochistan | Feb β April | July β August |
KPK, Northern Areas | March β May | Not recommended (rain sensitivity) |
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Companion Planting
β Good Companions:
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Corn
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Beans (Three Sisters combo)
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Marigold
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Radish
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Nasturtium (pest control)
β Avoid Planting Near:
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Potatoes
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Melons and Cucumbers (same pests)
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Fennel
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Tomatoes
β±οΈ Growth Timeline
Stage | Days |
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Starting | Day 1 |
Sprouting | Day 5β10 |
Vegetative | Day 30β40 |
Flowering | Day 45β60 |
Harvest | Day 90β120 |
How-To by Growth Stage
π± Starting
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Sowing Method: Direct sow in grow bags or beds
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Spacing: 2β3 feet apart
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Depth: 2β3 cm
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Soil Temp: 20β30Β°C
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Water: Twice a day during germination
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β Use ApnaUgao Potting Mix
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β Use 20β30L Grow Bags
πΏ Seedling Stage
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Thin to strongest plant after germination
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Keep soil consistently moist
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Protect from heavy rain and direct wind
π± Vegetative Stage
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Fertilize every 2β3 weeks
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β Bone Meal for flower support
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β Vermicompost for soil health
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β NPK 19-19-19 during fruit development
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Watering: Deep watering 2β3 times a week
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Use mulch to prevent soil from drying out
πΌ Flowering & Pollination
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Male flowers appear first
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Hand-pollinate female flowers early in the morning using a male flower for better fruit set
π Harvest
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Time: 90β120 days
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Signs: Stem drying, outer skin hard, rich color
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How to Harvest: Cut stem with sharp knife, leave 2 inches of stem
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Curing: Dry for 5β7 days before storing
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Storage: Cool, dry area β lasts up to 3 months
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Propagation: Save seeds from ripe fruits for next season
Scientific Variations β Pumpkin
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Species: Cucurbita moschata (Desi Kaddu), Cucurbita pepo (Zucchini, Small Gourds)
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Popular Varieties:
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Desi Kaddu β Large, green-skinned, soft texture
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Sugar Pie β Small and sweet, ideal for desserts
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Baby Boo β Small white pumpkin (ornamental)
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Cylindrical or Long-neck Pumpkins β Used in cooking or storage
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Culinary & Decorative Pumpkins
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Pumpkin Halloween (Halwa Kadu)
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Pumpkin Jack OβLantern (Halwa Kadu)
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Pumpkin Mammoth Gold (Halwa Kadu)
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Pumpkin Rouge Vif dβEtampes (Halwa Kadu β French heirloom)
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Pumpkin Lumina (white pumpkin β Halwa Kadu)
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Pumpkin Potimarron (Halwa Kadu β nutty flavor)
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Pumpkin Muscade de Provence (deeply ribbed, sweet flesh)
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Pumpkin Marina di Chioggia (warted Italian heirloom)
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Pumpkin Butternut Rugosa (creamy, nutty flesh)
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Pumpkin Spaghetti (spaghetti-textured flesh β low carb)
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Pumpkin Small Mix Fruit (Halwa Kadu β assorted shapes)
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Pumpkin Jack Be Little (mini pumpkin β Halwa Kadu)
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Pumpkin Patisson Blanc (UFO-shaped β ornamental & edible)
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Pumpkin Llena de NΓ‘poles Green (elongated Spanish variety)
Ornamental:
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Ornamental Miniature Pumpkins β Mixed Seeds
Classification:
Heirloom: Rouge Vif dβEtampes, Marina di Chioggia, Potimarron, Muscade de Provence
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Desi: Desi Halwa Kaddu (included in Small Mix & Desi types)
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Decorative: Lumina, Patisson Blanc, Ornamental Miniatures
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Culinary: Butternut Rugosa, Spaghetti, Jack OβLantern, Jack Be Little
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BUY ALL PUMPKIN VARIETIES HERE WITH APNAUGAO
π Benefits of Pumpkin
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Rich in beta-carotene, vitamin A, and antioxidants
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Boosts immunity and eye health
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Low in calories, high in fiber
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Supports digestion
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Used in both savory desi dishes and sweet recipes