How to Grow Kaddu in a Garden | Growing Pumpkin

Kaddu is one of the most versatile vegetables you can grow! Here’s all you need to know about growing pumpkin at home!

Kaddu is popular in various Indian dishes, from savory curries to sweet pies and desserts, so it makes a lot of sense to grow it in the home garden and enjoy a fresh harvest!

Check Out the 10 Best Vegetables to Grow in Rainy Season here

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Kaddu in English

Kaddu in English is popular as pumpkin in India though it is also famous as other names in different parts of the country. So, if you have always wondered – kaddu ko English mein kya kahate hain, now you know the answer!

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Kaddu Information

Kaddu ki sabji is a type of winter squash that belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. It is native to North America and is widely cultivated in many parts of the world, including Asia, Africa, and Europe.

In Indian cuisine, Kaddu is used in various dishes, such as curries, soups, and desserts. People cook it with spices like cumin, coriander, and turmeric, and it is also famous for making “kaddu ka halwa.”

Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo

Check Out How to Grow Suran Vegetables in India here

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How to Grow Kaddu in a Garden?

To grow Kaddu successfully, take fresh and healthy seeds from the nursery. Soak them in water overnight and then follow these steps:

• Plant kaddu seeds 2-3 cm deep in the soil.
• Water well and make sure they get plenty of dappled sunlight.
• Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot.
• Kaddu plants need support as they grow. Install a trellis or a sturdy support structure, like a fence, to help the vines climb and spread.

Check Out 8 Best Indian Vegetable Seeds to Buy for Ample Harvest here

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Requirements to Grow Kaddu

 

Sunlight

Kaddu plants need 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day to grow properly. Pumpkins need full sun to ensure the fruit will be of good quality. If the plants do not get enough sunlight, they may not produce fruit at all.

Soil

The soil should be well-draining, fertile, and high in organic matter. Pumpkins need a soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. Adding plenty of compost or manure can help to improve the soil’s fertility and organic matter levels.

Water

Kaddu requires a minimum of 1 inch of water per week. Keep a close eye on the topsoil and water the plant when it feels slightly dry to the touch. Water at the base of the plant, taking care not to wet the foliage.

Temperature

Pumpkin grows best in warm and humid climate conditions. The ideal temperature range for growing kaddu is between 20°C to 35°C. In India, the best time to grow kaddu is during the winter season (October to February) and in the monsoon season (June to September).

Check Out the 9 Most Popular Climbing Vegetable Plants in India here

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Kaddu Plant Care

Fertilizer

When growing pumpkins, use a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, like a 10-10-10 blend. Apply the fertilizer once a week or every two weeks, depending on the soil type and the age of the plant.

For young kaddu plants, mix 1/2 teaspoon of fertilizer into 2 liters of water, then water plants with this solution.

For mature plants, use 1 teaspoon of fertilizer per 1 liter of water.

Apply a fertilizer every 3-4 weeks and follow the instructions on the packaging.

Check Out How to Grow Gilki Vegetables in India here

Pests and Diseases

Pests or diseases do not usually attack these veggies. However, sometimes they might get attacked by pests like squash bugs, aphids, or cucumber beetles and diseases like powdery mildew, downy mildew, or bacterial wilt.

Keeping the kaddu plants healthy and well-maintained is essential to prevent these pests and diseases. This includes providing adequate water, fertilizer, and sunlight and regularly removing any infected or dead plant material.

In some cases, organic insecticides or fungicides may be necessary to control pests and diseases.

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Harvesting Kaddu

Harvesting kaddu is a simple but rewarding process. The most important step is to know when to pick them. Pumpkins are typically ready to harvest when their rinds are hard, and their colors have changed to a solid, deep hue.

• Before harvesting, it is important to cut the pumpkins off the vine cleanly. To do this, use a sharp knife or pair of scissors to snip the stem at least an inch or two above the pumpkin. Make sure to leave enough of a stem attached so that the pumpkin can be carried easily.
• Next, carefully lift the pumpkin up and off the vine. It is best to use two hands to do this. Once the pumpkin is off the vine, it is ready to be moved and stored.
• When storing kaddu, it is important to keep them out of direct sunlight and in a cool, dry place. If stored properly, pumpkins can last for several weeks.