PUMPKIN – पेठा (16 Seeds)

🎃 Pumpkin (Kaddu) Cultivation Guide – Desi & Organic Method
Pumpkin is a warm-season, fast-spreading vine crop grown widely in India for vegetables and seeds. It gives good yield under organic farming with low input cost.
Scientific Name: Cucurbita moschata

🌤️ 1. Climate Requirement
Pumpkin grows best in warm climate.
Ideal temperature: 22–35°C
Sensitive to frost and cold.
Best sowing time (India):
Summer: January – February
Kharif / Rainy: June – July

🌾 2. Soil Requirement
Best soil: Well-drained sandy loam or loam soil
Soil should be deep, fertile, and rich in organic matter.
Soil pH: 6.0 – 7.5
Before sowing:
Add well-decomposed cow dung compost or FYM.
Remove weeds and stones.
❌ Avoid waterlogged soil (causes root rot).

🌱 3. Seed Sowing
✅ Pit Preparation
Dig pits of 45 × 45 × 45 cm size.
Fill pits with topsoil mixed with compost and neem cake.
✅ Sowing Method
Sow 2–3 seeds per pit.
Seed depth: 2–3 cm
Spacing: 2.0–2.5 meters between pits.
After germination, keep 1–2 healthy plants per pit.
Germination time: 6–10 days

💧 4. Watering
Light irrigation immediately after sowing.
Water every 6–8 days in summer.
During rainy season, irrigate only if needed.
❌ Avoid standing water around plants.

🌿 5. Organic Fertilizer Management
Apply vermicompost or compost before sowing.
Use jeevamrit / compost tea every 15–20 days.
Apply neem cake at sowing for pest control.

✂️ 6. Vine Management & Pollination
Train vines properly for good fruit development.
Avoid overcrowding.
For better fruit set:
Encourage bees and pollinators.
Avoid chemical sprays during flowering.

🐛 7. Pest & Disease Control (Organic)
Aphids & whiteflies: Spray neem oil (5 ml per litre water).
Fruit fly: Use pheromone traps or neem-based sprays.
Powdery mildew: Spray buttermilk diluted with water (1:10).
Maintain field hygiene.

🎃 8. Harvesting
Fruits ready in 90–120 days after sowing.
Harvest when:
Skin becomes hard.
Fruit attains full size and color.
Cut fruits with small stalk attached.
Do not delay harvest.