Pumpkin harvesting dates in the Moscow region

To determine the exact time to harvest pumpkins in the Moscow region, you need to consider several factors. Harvesting time depends on the variety and the climate conditions of the particular season. There are large-fruited varieties of this vegetable, as well as those with hard skin. Which ones? fertile zodiac signs do you know?

The most commonly grown pumpkin here is butternut squash, a late-ripening variety. It's available at markets throughout the winter because it stores well.

The orange, hard-rinded varieties of this vegetable are usually the first to ripen. These pumpkins can be harvested as early as late August and early September. Determining ripeness is fairly easy: just look closely at the stem. If it's dried out, the pumpkin has stopped growing.

Interesting! A pumpkin's ripeness can be indicated by the regular pattern on its sides. The color should be rich yellow or orange; some pumpkins are light brown.

Hard-rinded varieties don't keep well. If you need to stockpile for the winter, these types of pumpkin aren't suitable. They'll only last a month, but after that, the seeds begin to sprout, rendering the vegetable tasteless.

Large-fruited, nutmeg pumpkins

As for when to harvest large-fruited pumpkins and butternut squash in the Moscow region, the timing varies considerably. These vegetables will thrive in the garden until the first frost, meaning until mid- to late September.

You shouldn't leave pumpkins in the garden for long after the frost sets in. Such fruits They will quickly lose their flavor and can only be used as pet food. Once the pumpkins are harvested, they need to be allowed to ripen slightly. To do this, place the fruits in a room at room temperature for 20 days.

Important! Butternut squash is ideal for winter storage. It retains its excellent appearance, flavor, vitamins, and nutrients for up to six months after harvest. However, its sugar content decreases, which can cause the flesh to become stringy and flavorless toward the end of storage.

Knowing when these types of pumpkins are ripe is also quite easy. Yellowing or drying of the leaves, even just one leaflet, indicates ripeness. The stem becomes woody, and the fruit itself changes color, becoming more intense. The skin itself also becomes harder. Regardless of the type, pumpkins should be harvested before the first frost of the year.

About proper harvesting

If the vegetable hasn't ripened yet before the first frost, don't worry. You can let it ripen after picking it on the veranda or indoors. It's best if the fruit gets some sunlight.

When harvesting ornamental pumpkins, you should focus on size and color. Also, be aware of dried stems and leaves. Therefore, the rules for determining ripeness are the same for any pumpkin variety.

Interesting! Ornamental pumpkin varieties are not intended for consumption. Therefore, light frosts are not harmful to them, as they affect their taste but not their appearance.

When cutting a pumpkin, regardless of variety, it's essential to leave about 5 cm of stem, never less than this length. If you cut the stem off immediately, the vegetable will be damaged and won't keep well; it will quickly begin to rot. The optimal storage temperature for pumpkins is 10-15 degrees Celsius.

When to harvest pumpkins in the Moscow region: a summary

When it comes to central Russia, the main criterion for harvesting, including pumpkins of any variety, is the presence of frost. These typically begin in mid-September. So, don't leave the fruit in the garden too long after it's already freezing outside.

Important! Light frosts in September often occur at night rather than during the day. So, people don't even notice. But for pumpkins, such frosts can be devastating, quickly ruining the vegetable's excellent flavor.

If autumn this year is dry and sunny, you can harvest pumpkins, but don't rush to bring them indoors. They can ripen right in the garden, but you need to carefully monitor daytime and nighttime temperatures.

Now every gardener can determine the right time to harvest pumpkins in the Moscow region or elsewhere. It's important not to leave the fruits out in the cold to preserve their flavor. Ornamental varieties that aren't edible won't be affected by frost at all.