Pumpkin Butternut: description and characteristics of the variety, cultivation with photo

Butternut pumpkin is the common name for all varieties that are characterized by an elongated pear shape and orange flesh inside the fruit. The presented variety is bred in North America, while the cultivated nutmeg gourd and African fruits of the bakery form were crossed.

Variety description

The vegetable belongs to the Pumpkin family. The fruits have much fewer seeds than in the usual version, the taste has a nutty tint. The variety is early ripe, refers to winter, so it can be stored for a long time. The peel is dense, yellow-orange in color, under it is an oily pulp.

The average weight of a pumpkin reaches 1-1.5 kg, with proper care and good weather conditions, up to 20 fruits are formed on one bush. Pumpkin seeds are located in the expanded part of the fruit.

Key features:

1. variety - early ripening;
2. shape - pear-shaped;
3. weight - 1-2 kg.

The description of the variety says that Butternut can be removed from the bush unripe, with a greenish peel. Fruits ripen successfully over time during storage. With a significant drop in temperature, pumpkins are also plucked in order to save the harvest.

Features of cultivation

Grow a variety mainly in seedlings, especially in regions with cool summers. The place should be chosen sunny, protected from drafts and wind. The bed should be dug up in the fall, adding the necessary fertilizers to the soil.

Seeds for seedlings need to be preheated, soaked in early May, and then planted in small containers, one seed per pot. To preserve planting material, future seedlings must be kept warm, mainly in a greenhouse. After the soil has warmed up, the seedlings are planted in the ground.

Before fruit set, it is recommended to apply natural fertilizers such as manure and compost. Before the flowering process, bushes can also be sprinkled with ash.

Butternut pumpkin has an excellent taste and smell, can be eaten both fresh and in addition to juices, stews, cereals.

Benefits of the variety:

• early ripeness;
• high yield;
• versatility;
• compact fruits;
• Storage duration.

The fruits contain many useful substances, including potassium, beta-carotene, phosphorus, zinc, magnesium, sodium. The use has no contraindications, the vegetable is hypoallergenic. Not recommended for use only by people with diabetes, or with individual intolerance.

Plant care

For a good harvest, you need to regularly weed the beds, hill up and loosen the soil. Potash fertilizers should be applied twice a month. Abundant watering with warm, settled water is important. Good results can be achieved with artificial pollination.

Experienced gardeners recommend mulching using cut grass and straw. Such a process will protect the beds from weeds, provide the root system of plants with maximum comfort.

The first harvest can be obtained after 80-90 days from the date of planting the seeds. 2-3 weeks before the expected harvest, watering should be stopped. This will allow you to get tasty and sugary pulp in the fruit, as well as form a dense skin, which is especially important for long-term storage pumpkins.

It is not recommended to apply mullein and ash at the same time, it is preferable to alternate fertilizers.

Diseases and pests

Improper care leads to vulnerability to certain diseases, including:

1. bacterial - affect the leaves, change the shape of the fruit, affect the taste and useful qualities of the product;
2. fungal - form a white coating on plants, subsequently causing rot.

It is also worth noting the possibility of development of aphids and spider mites. It is important for the plant to get rid of the affected leaves in time, to water correctly and in a timely manner.

To avoid possible diseases, agronomists recommend treating seeds with a bacteria-resistant compound before planting.

Harvesting

Crop harvesting is carried out at the end of summer to prevent the fruit from falling under possible frosts. It is also acceptable to shoot unripe pumpkins that will ripen in a dry, warm place. In order not to waste time drying the fruits, it is advisable to harvest on a sunny day.

Long storage is possible if you cut the fruit, leaving the whole stalk and without damaging the skin. If there are any cracks or damage, the gourd should be used as soon as possible. If all the manipulations were done correctly, the fruits will be able to lie until spring without losing their taste and useful qualities.

Walnut gourd has many varieties, the characteristics of which will help you choose the right crop based on where you live and climatic conditions.

It is also worth relying on the method of use. Varieties with large fruits are predominantly used as pet food. Portioned small pumpkins are suitable for eating, they can be baked, used to make baby food, added to various dishes.

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