If you’re looking for a fun, easy pumpkin to grow this year, look no further than Cinderella pumpkins! These adorable little pumpkins are perfect for novice gardeners, and they’re so easy to grow that you’ll be able to harvest them in no time. In this post, we’ll teach you everything you need to know about growing Cinderella pumpkins, from planting to harvesting. So read on and get ready to add some beautiful Cinderella pumpkins to your garden!
What are Cinderella pumpkins?
Cinderella pumpkins are a type of winter squash that is native to France. Cinderella pumpkins are usually medium sized, squat and round, and have a deep orange color.
Why are they called Cinderella pumpkins?
They get their name from their resemblance to the pumpkin in the fairy tale “Cinderella.”
How big do Cinderella pumpkins get?
Cinderella pumpkins are considered medium to large in size, weighing 15-35 pounds, typically ranging in size from 1-2 feet in diameter.
Are Cinderella pumpkins easy to grow?
Yes! The best thing about Cinderella pumpkins is that they are very easy to grow. In fact, they are one of the easiest types of pumpkins to grow! They don’t require any special care or attention, and they will thrive in most types of soil.
When should I plant my Cinderella pumpkins?
Depending on your planting zone, you should plant your Cinderella pumpkins in late spring or early summer. You can find your planting zone here. If you’re starting with seeds, plant them in soil that is rich in organic matter about two weeks before the last frost date in your area.
How do I plant my Cinderella pumpkins?
To plant your Cinderella pumpkin, choose an area that gets full sun (at least 6 hours per day) and start by preparing the soil. Loosen the soil with a shovel and add some compost to it. This will help the pumpkin plants to grow strong and healthy.
Plant the seeds about 1/2 inch deep and water them well. Water the area well and keep it moist until the seeds germinate.
Once the seedlings have emerged, thin them out so that only the strongest plants remain. Pumpkin plants do best when planted 3 feet apart as they get big and require lots of good air circulation to help deter disease and pests.
How to take care of Cinderella pumpkin plants
As your Cinderella pumpkin vines grow, water them regularly and fertilize them every few weeks with a high-quality organic fertilizer.
When the pumpkins begin to develop, you can help them along by gently pushing them onto their side so that they rest at a 90 degree angle from the vine. This will help the pumpkins to grow evenly and avoid snapping off the vine prematurely.
When should I harvest my Cinderella pumpkins?
You should harvest your Cinderella pumpkins when they are fully mature, which is typically around 110 days after planting. To tell if a pumpkin is ready to be harvested, look for the following signs:
- a deep, rich orange color
- the skin is hard and difficult to puncture with a fingernail
- the stem is dry
- the pumpkin has reached its full size
If you’re not sure if your pumpkin is ready to be harvested, you can always ask your local nursery for help.
How do I harvest my Cinderella pumpkins?
When harvesting your Cinderella pumpkins, use a clean, sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem about 1-2 inches from the base of the pumpkin. Be careful not to damage the stem as this can make the pumpkin more susceptible to rot. Gently lift the pumpkin and carry it indoors.
Once you’ve harvested your Cinderella pumpkins, you can store them in a cool, dry place for up to six months. Do not wash the pumpkins before storing them as this can shorten their shelf life.
Do I need to rotate my pumpkin crops?
Yes, if you want to grow pumpkins year after year, remember that like all vegetables, you’ll want to rotate the crop (or where you plant them) each year. Ideally, pumpkins do best on a three-year rotation cycle, meaning you need to move them each year, but they can return to a previous planting spot after three years.
This is so pumpkin vines don’t deplete the same nutrients from the soil year after year, which can lead to nutrient deficiencies and a decreased yield.
Pumpkin crop rotation is particularly important if you’re growing pumpkins for Jack-o’-lanterns as they are very susceptible to disease. By rotating your pumpkin crops each year, you can help to prevent the build-up of diseases in the soil.
When it comes to growing pumpkins, there’s really no need to get too fancy. Just plant them in an area that gets full sun, water them regularly, and give them a little bit of TLC and you’ll be rewarded with plenty of Cinderella pumpkins come harvest time!
Now that you know how to grow Cinderella pumpkins, why not give it a try this year? They’re perfect for novice gardeners, and you’ll be able to reap the rewards of your hard work in no time!
