Pumpkin Loaf is a prominent representative of the melon culture. Thanks to its good yield indicators and usefulness of the product, the species is appreciated by Russian gardeners. To obtain good fruit yield, it is recommended to learn in advance about the nuances of growing the variety.
Description of the variety
The loaf is an early fruitful variety of pumpkins. The first fruits are obtained 90-100 days after the appearance of the first shoots. The bushes have medium climbing.
The fruits have a round, turban-like shape. The average weight of one vegetable varies from 1.7 to 4 kg.Pumpkin bark of medium thickness protects well from external mechanical influences; there are faint longitudinal light stripes on the outer surface. The pulp has a bright orange color and a crumbly structure. The distinctive quality of the variety is the sweet taste of the vegetable with a rich melon aroma.
The variety has high yields. On average, during the growing season, 13 to 17 kg are harvested from one plant. A feature of the fruit is its good storage ability, which preserves the taste and richness of the aroma of vegetables.
Growing
In Russian regions, the variety is grown in seedlings to obtain an earlier harvest and provide the necessary time for fruit ripening. Sowing of planting material begins in April. In areas with a warm climate, seeds are planted in previously prepared soil in May or June. The recommended depth for planting seeds in the soil is a distance of 4 to 6 cm.
When planting in a permanent growing location, the recommended planting pattern should be followed. The geometry is determined so that the rule of maintaining a distance of 60x60 cm is maintained. Planting is carried out if the plant has 3 or 4 true leaves and there is no threat of frost. The soil should warm up to 14 0C.
In conditions of insufficient territory, the vertical method of cultivation is practiced. In this case, the vines are provided with vertical support, and the fruits are tied up or placed in a net at the time of ripening.
Features of care
To obtain high yields of pumpkin fruits, it is important to ensure regular watering and provide the plant with the necessary amount of minerals through periodic fertilizing. The first is carried out after 10 days from the moment the plant is planted in a permanent place.It is necessary to choose a sunny area for cultivation; with a lack of light, the fruits will be small and low in sugar.
In order for the plant to grow strong and be able to deliver the required amount of nutrition to the fruits, it is necessary to promptly pinch the growth point of each of the lashes, which is done on the 60th day.
You should not over-moisten the soil, as in this case the melons will produce large fruits, but they will be empty inside and the vegetable pulp will be tasteless without the proper sugar content. At first, watering is limited and resumed in full until the fruit reaches the size of an apple, otherwise the food will go into the greens.
After the fruits of the required size appear, all leaves that cover the vegetables from the sun are removed. When additional shoots are formed with pumpkins, the stem is sprinkled to allow the formation of additional roots.
Advantages and disadvantages
Pumpkin Sweet loaves is famous for its good yield and ease of care. The culture is not afraid of drought and has high immunity to various diseases and pests.
The main advantage is the taste and rich composition of the fruit. Due to the rich content of nutrients, nutritionists recommend this product for children's and dietary nutrition. It is especially useful to eat pumpkin if you have the following diseases:
- cardiovascular pathology;
- problems with the functioning of the liver and kidneys;
- tendency to gallstone disease;
- for problems in the digestive system, including high acidity and chronic inflammation.
Regular consumption of pumpkin helps reduce the problem of hypertension.Due to the rich fiber content, consuming the product cleanses the body of toxins.
Pests and diseases
The pumpkin variety has good immunity, and the risks of phytoinfections in such plants are minimized. The most common diseases are bacteriosis and powdery mildew.
With bacteriosis, dark green spots appear on the leaves, which dry out and crumble over time, leading to the formation of holes in the leaf blades. To prevent the disease, seeds are treated with 0.02% zinc sulfate before planting.
With powdery mildew, whitish spots appear on the leaves, which over time completely cover the entire surface of the plate. In this case, spraying with sodium, phosphoric acid solution or colloidal sulfur is used.
Harvest and storage
The fruits are harvested after the first frost. The ripeness of a pumpkin can be determined by pressing on the bark. When pressed on the surface with a fingernail, the finished vegetable does not press through, which is a signal that harvesting is possible. Store vegetables in a cool, dark place.
Reviews from gardeners
Anastasia, 42 years old:
«Growing pumpkins for many years, constantly trying new varieties. The loaf pleased us with its yield and the unusual taste of the pulp; along with the sugary taste, a slight melon flavor is felt. The variety is ideal for making purees and porridges.”
Miroslava, 24 years old:
“A productive variety with large fruit size. Excellent taste compared to analogue varieties. Among the disadvantages, I note the need for a fairly large area to accommodate many lashes.”
