Pumpkin is one of the crops that ripens later than others.
Therefore, it is important to determine the degree of its maturity so as not to keep the fruit on the site for too long.
The readiness of the harvest can be determined using reliable signs, notes the expert of the online publication "BelNovosti", scientist-agronomist and landscape designer Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
What do they consist of?
Skin density
The most obvious sign of pumpkin ripeness is the density of the peel. You can try to press on it and evaluate the reaction. There should be no dents left.
However, in the case of the Muscat variety, this method of determining ripeness does not work.
Drawing
Assess the pumpkin's appearance. If the fruit is ready to be harvested, the pattern on the peel will be as clear as possible. By the way, some varieties have their own characteristics.
Thus, green-fruited varieties have no pattern at all. And some varieties have a special white coating on the skin instead.
Peduncle
First of all, evaluate its color: it should become noticeably lighter. It is also worth touching: in a ripe pumpkin, it will be quite hard and durable.
Watermelon analogy
You can also knock on pumpkins, just like you do with watermelons. If you like the sound (it will be clear and ringing), then you can safely remove the pumpkin from the garden bed.
Expert: Anastasia Kovrizhnykh
