WINTER MELON TWONGA AB

The Twonga Pumpkin , also called Chinese Pumpkin or Benincasa , is a variety of cucurbit that can be runner , rambling or trained , depending on garden conditions and management. It requires a sunny exposure and can produce 2 to 4 fruits per plant . The fruits, measuring between 10 and 15 cm in diameter and 20 to 50 cm long , have a downy skin and weigh between 2 and 6 kg . Its flesh is white , sweet , watery and of excellent quality. This pumpkin is very popular for sweet and sour recipes or gratin .

Successful Sowing of Twonga Pumpkin

Sowing in pots : Sowing is done in April , in pots placed in a bright place and at a minimum temperature of 12°C . The seeds need warmth to germinate, so it is crucial to keep them in a warm and bright environment. Place the seeds on their edges in the pots. Keep the soil moist using a sprayer, but not excessively so as to prevent the seeds from rotting. Place your pots near a light source to encourage healthy and rapid germination.

Transplanting : Transplant plants in a sunny location from mid-May . The planting distance depends on the type of variety. For non-running varieties, space the plants 1 m apart in all directions . For running varieties, space them 1.20 m in the row and 2 m between rows .

Growing Care : Water at the base of the plants, taking care not to wet the foliage, especially in summer to prevent fungal diseases. Use compost to enrich the soil and feed the plants. Pinching back the main stems stimulates branching and improves fruit yield. Be sure to remove any weeds that might compete with the plants. Cover the base with mulch to limit weed growth and conserve soil moisture.

Good Associations in the Vegetable Garden

Twonga pumpkin does not grow well with potatoes , as both plants are susceptible to similar diseases, which can hinder their growth. However, pumpkin thrives in close proximity to beans and cabbage . These companion plants can improve plant health by repelling some insect pests and increasing yields.

Why Isn't My Pumpkin Flowering or Fruiting ?

The absence of flowers or fruit in cucurbits such as the Twonga pumpkin can be caused by several factors. During periods of high heat, male flowers are likely to develop in large numbers, while female flowers are fewer, preventing pollination. Female flowers are recognizable by a bulge at the base, resembling a small fruit. Hot conditions affect the formation of female flowers and the quality of the pollen in male flowers, preventing fruiting.

If your garden lacks pollinating insects (such as bees), pollination will not occur and there will be no fruit. One solution is to attract pollinators by planting honey-producing flowers near crops.

Harvesting and Preserving Pumpkins

Harvesting squash , including the Twonga pumpkin, is usually done between September and November , often around October , before the first frosts arrive. The fruit stem becomes corky when the fruit is ready to be harvested. Never pick up the fruit by the stem, as this can cause invisible lesions that promote fruit rot. Cut the fruit as close to the stem as possible. Let the fruit dry for a day in the sun to ensure good preservation.

Then, store the fruit in a dry , well-ventilated place at a temperature between 12 and 20°C . For small quantities, a cupboard or a top shelf can be ideal for storage to avoid thermal shock.