Determining the signs of pumpkin ripening is not as difficult as it seems. It is believed that even if you make a mistake and harvest early, the pumpkins will ripen at room temperature in a couple of months.
Let's find out when you need to harvest pumpkins for storage and what mistakes are important to avoid.
Deadlines
If we talk about timing, then usually it is the second half of September, but it is important to do it before the frost sets in.
External signs
1. The most accurate signs are the changed color of the fruit's skin.
2. At the same time, it would not be superfluous to pay attention to the stalks - they should dry out.
3. The next important sign is hardened skin.
How to Harvest Pumpkins
Be sure to leave 5-7 cm of the stalk. The so-called tail will protect the fruit from diseases, which extends the shelf life.
It is known that pumpkins without a stalk spoil quickly, so they should not be stored for a long time.
Before storing the harvest, pumpkins need to be kept in the sun for 8-10 days.
During this time, scratches on the skin heal, which, if necessary, can be treated with brilliant green.
It is believed that large-fruited pumpkin varieties are stored longer and better. They have a thick and strong skin, as well as a nutritious and useful core.
