Pumpkin on a Stick Care Guide

This plant requires full sun (6-8 hours) to produce flowers and fruit.

Keep this plant evenly moist during the spring and summer months to produce the flowers and fruit. Don't let sit in soggy soil.

This plant doesn't require high humidity.

To sow seed, this plant needs the soil at least 70°F. Plant after the last frost date.

This plant germinates at temps of 70°F to 85°F with bright light.

Use a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season. Once flower buds develop, switch to a high-potassium fertilizer to help regulate their water intake for fruit production.

Landscape: Before planting this Pumpkin-on-a-stick into the ground, water the plant in the grower pot well. Find a spot in the garden where there are at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight each day. Be generous by digging a hole twice the pot's width and 1 inch shorter than the grower pot to raise above the soil level for good drainage. Use a pitchfork or a sharp object to stab the soil walls to make several indentions for the roots to take hold. Tickle the roots to loosen them if they wrap inside the container. Place the plant in the center of the hole. Fill the hole with water first, so the roots get another good drink. Next, backfill with native soil mixed with compost by one-third to one-half (if the native soil is clay). Add a rooting hormone fertilizer to this backfill mixture. Tamp the soil firmly down around the edges and mound up. Avoid covering the original soil level of the plant that was in the container. Add mulch as needed but not next to the stem or branches of the plant. Water lightly. Continue to observe the soil moisture each day, depending on the temperatures and soil drainage. This is an annual in many parts of the country, so save the seeds to sow in the spring with soil temps are at 70°F.

To enjoy the ornamental fruit for decorative projects, cut the stems at ground level and remove the leaves. Let them dry for several weeks in a cool place with good air circulation and low humidity. If left on the plant, they will typically go through a drying process on the plant. Trim to the ground eventually, saving some of the seed for the following year to sow.

After the last frost in the spring, direct sow the seeds at a 1/4 inch depth 2-3 feet apart and water. Within 2 to 4 weeks or when the soil is at 70°F, they will begin to germinate.