Are you thinking of growing pumpkins in your yard? Some might find the idea intimidating, but if you know how to do it right, things will be easy. Read on as we share the basics of fertilizing pumpkins, making sure that they grow big!
What are Pumpkins?
A pumpkin is a nutritious and plump squash variety. It is most popular as a Halloween decoration. Most people often think that pumpkins are vegetables. Truth is, it is a fruit.
There are many good reasons to grow pumpkin at home, including the fact that it is nutritious. Aside from being low in calories, it is also a potent source of vitamins and minerals. Plus, there are endless ways to incorporate it in your cooking. You can use it in soups, salads, preserves, and deserts, among others.
Choosing the Best Fertilizer for Pumpkins
Growing pumpkins require attention to important factors, including good seed and good soil. More importantly, you will need a good fertilizer. Picking the latter requires considering several factors, such as the stage of the pumpkin’s growth, as well as the external factors, such as the type of soil. More than choosing a good fertilizer, you also need to use the right amount for the fertilizer to use.
In this section, we’ll dive into the fundamentals of choosing a fertilizer that will work best for your pumpkins.
Composition
This is perhaps the most important factor to consider. It has a direct relationship to the quality of the pumpkins that you will be growing.
A fertilizer has three main ingredients – nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium or NPK. Look at the fertilizer package and you will see three numbers. Each number will determine the percentage of NPK. For instance, if it says 10-15-8, it means that there is 10% nitrogen, 15% phosphorus, and 8% potassium.
Ideally, it is best if you choose a 5-10-5 NPK fertilizer. This is well-balanced and a good way to start with. Apply such a fertilizer moderately throughout the growing stages of the pumpkin.
Type of Fertilizer
You can give pumpkins two main types of fertilizer. The first is organic, which means that it is all-natural. This is the best option. Using this fertilizer means that it would be safe to eat your pumpkins, without worries that you are introducing toxic chemicals.
The second type is an inorganic fertilizer. It can have pesticides and other additives, which are added for pest control. This is a great way to minimize problems that can pester your pumpkins.
Form of Fertilizer
Another good way to categorize fertilizers would be based on their form. It can be granular, which means that they are solid. It works best for plants grown in containers and beds. On the other hand, liquid fertilizers will need more frequent application, but you should be careful to not overdo it.
When and How to Fertilize
It is not enough that you pick the right fertilizer. It is equally important that you use it properly. This section will discuss the fundamentals of fertilizer application. Timing is one of the most important factors that will guarantee success.
Before applying a fertilizer, however, make sure that you test the soil. This will give you an idea of the missing elements that you will need to add to ensure healthy growth.
Pre-Flowering
Around 55 days after planting pumpkin and before the appearance of the first flowers, it is best to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. This is important in the early growth of the plant. This will increase the chlorophyll content in plants, which is responsible for the green color of its leaves, vines, and stems.
However, be careful with the application of nitrogen. Using more than necessary will inflict harm to your pumpkin. It can burn the plant while also delaying flowering and fruiting.
Flowering
When your pumpkin starts to bloom, using phosphorus is necessary. It is important for the activation of adenosine triphosphate, which supplies the needed energy. If you do not provide enough phosphorus, your pumpkin will not bloom.
If you see that the vine is already showing signs of a small fruit, this is the time to switch to a fertilizer with more potassium. It stimulates starch and protein, which will help in developing bigger fruits.
Fruiting
After flowering, the next stage is fruiting. At this stage, fertilizing is still necessary to encourage plump fruits. Potassium is one of the most important fertilizers at this point. It regulates the storage of carbohydrates and water, which are vital for healthy plant tissues.
It is best to use a 5-10-10 NPK fertilizer at this time. Alternatively, you can also use bonemeal and seaweed powder.
Conclusion
Picking the right fertilizer is one of the most important requirements for growing healthy pumpkins. The most crucial consideration is its composition or NPK ratio. The latter dictates the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. More so, you need to time the application perfectly, which will depend on the stage of growth of the pumpkin.