Content
- Harvest Hokkaido pumpkin properly
- When is the best harvest time?
- This is how to recognize a ripe Hokkaido pumpkin
- Harvest a Hokkaido pumpkin - That's how it works
- Store Hokkaido pumpkin properly
- Tips & Tricks
Harvest Hokkaido pumpkin properly
Originally the tasty Hokkaido pumpkin comes from Japan. Incidentally, not only the pumpkin, but also the dog breed "Hokkaido" - sometimes called "Ainu" in this country - is home to the island of the same name. For some years, this pumpkin variety enjoys great popularity with us, but they can grow easily and profitably. Learn in our guide how the delicious fruit is harvested properly.
Earlier article Hokkaido sow only from mid-May Next article Hokkaido cut? So you prune overgrowing plants and win delicious flowersWhen is the best harvest time?
The Hokkaido pumpkin, as well as about 800 other pumpkin varieties, is one of the winter squashes. These have autumn and late autumn season and are characterized by their long storage capacity. Hokkaido pumpkins are usually harvested between September and November, whereby - depending on the time of sowing and the weather - some fruits can be ripe from the end of July / beginning of August. Like all winter squashes, the Hokkaido should only be harvested when fully ripe, but the fruit will quickly ripen in a warm and dry location. A harvest in the immature state is advisable when the weather is already very cold and wet, both tolerate the fruit is not very good.
This is how to recognize a ripe Hokkaido pumpkin
Harvest a Hokkaido pumpkin - That's how it works
If the Hokkaido is to be stored, you should leave the stem base undamaged on the fruit, including a piece of the stem that is at least one centimeter long. Otherwise, the pumpkin will quickly start to rot. So cut off the fruit above the stalk with a sharp knife or secateurs. If possible, do not damage the fruit, as only undamaged pumpkins can be stored for a longer period of time. A pumpkin plant produces during the harvest time several fruits at different maturity times.
Store Hokkaido pumpkin properly
Ripe harvested and undamaged fruits with stems can be kept for up to three months in a cool and airy place. Ideal for this are dry basements or pantries. However, you can also chop the Hokkaido and freeze or boil it (raw or steamed). Especially sweet is the sweet and sour pickled pumpkin, which tastes great especially with hearty meat dishes.
Tips & Tricks
It is ideal if you grow the tasty Hokkaido together with sweet corn and creeping beans: These three plants complement each other perfectly and you save valuable acreage.