Pumpkins grow in the field on plants which
have long sprawling vines that cover the ground. Pumpkin seeds
are planted in the field from the last week of May to the middle
of June. After seeds are planted, they will sprout (germinate)
in 7 to 10 days, depending on the variety. During this time,
seeds need moisture and warmth. Once seeds have germinated, they
will send up their first leaves, called seed leaves.
Next, the true leaves will appear. Yellow
flowers (blossoms) begin to appear after the first three weeks
of growth. Male flowers, which produce pollen, are seen first.
About a week later, the female blossoms follow. Female blossoms
are easy to spot, because they have tiny pumpkins at their base.
Blossoms live for only a half day, and will not open in cold,
rainy weather. When both male and female blossoms appear on the
vine, bees transfer the pollen from the males to the females.
This is called pollination.
Once pollinated, the fruit at the base of the
female blossom develops into a full-sized pumpkin. During this
time, the plant continues to produce blossoms. The pumpkin
contains seeds which can be saved to grow new pumpkins the
following year. While growing, pumpkins require a lot of
moisture and sunlight. It takes about 90-120 days (depending on
the variety) for a pumpkin to grow after it has been planted.
Pumpkins are picked in October when they are bright orange in
color.
Pumpkins are a good source of nutrition. They
are low in calories, fat and sodium and high in fiber. They are
loaded with vitamins A and B and potassium. The seeds are very
high in protein and are an excellent source of B vitamins and
iron.
