Pumpkins come from a family of plants called cucurbits. They are closely related to squash, gourds, melons, and cucumbers.   Pumpkins grow in the field on plants which have long sprawling vines that cover the ground.   Pumpkin seeds are planted in the field from the last week of May to the middle of June.   After seeds are planted, they will sprout (germinate) in 7 to 10 days, depending on the variety. During this time, seeds need moisture and warmth.   Once seeds have germinated, they will send up their first leaves, called seed leaves. Next, the true leaves will appear.   As the leaves develop, and the vines spread, an extensive root network develops in the top 12 inches of soil. These shallow roots can be found as branching offshoots all along the vine. They gather most of the food, moisture, and air for the plant's growth. There is a strong tap root which can grow as deep as 2 to 3 feet. Tendrils develop along the vines to anchor the plant.   Yellow flowers (called blossoms) begin to appear after the first three weeks of growth. Male blossoms, which produce pollen, are seen first. About a week later, the female blossoms follow. Female blossoms are easy to spot, because they have tiny pumpkin at their base. Blossoms live for only half a day, and will not open in cold, rainy weather. When both male and female blossoms appear on the vine, bees transfer the pollen from the males to the females. This is called pollination.   Once pollinated, the fruit at the base of the female blossom develops into a full-sized pumpkin. During this time, the plant continues to produce blossoms. The pumpkin contains seeds which can be saved to grow new pumpkins the following year.   While growing, pumpkins require a lot of moisture and sunlight to develop.   It takes about 90-120 days (depending on the variety) for a pumpkin to grow after it has been planted.   Pumpkins are picked in October when they are bright orange in colour. Pumpkin Farm 1993. Back to the module index      Back to our main index