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Pumpkin Honey Dessert is a young variety bred by the Russian agricultural company Aelita and entered into the State Register of the Russian Federation in 2013. This variety of pumpkin is approved for cultivation in all regions of the country in private household plots.
Description of pumpkin honey dessert
Pumpkin Honey dessert belongs to a variety of honeys, which are classified into a separate group due to the pronounced honey taste of the pulp.
Honey dessert is a large-fruited, early-ripening, universal variety. The plant is long-climbing, with large, slightly dissected dark green leaves. The lashes and leaves are rough. The flowers are yellow, large, and bell-shaped. Each lash bears 2 to 5 fruits.
The root system, like that of all pumpkins, is branched, penetrating deeply into the soil.
Description of fruits
Pumpkins of this variety are large, well segmented, flat-round in shape with a small depression in the area of the stalk. The peel is thin, evenly colored, rough. In the photo of the Honey Dessert pumpkin you can see orange, orange-red or dark pink fruits.The description of the variety indicates that their average weight is 4–6 kg, however, specimens weighing up to 11 kg are very often found in gardens. The pulp is orange or bright red, thick, fleshy, juicy. A medium-sized seed nest filled with medium-sized white seeds.
The taste is honey-nutmeg, sweet, with a pronounced aroma. The composition of the fruit pulp of this variety is characterized by a record carotene content; it is also rich in vitamins and minerals. Due to its nutritional value and low calorie content, pumpkin honey dessert has found wide use in cooking, dietary and medicinal nutrition. It is used to make purees, juices, and fillings for baked goods; it is included in vegetable side dishes, salads, desserts, and cereals. This pumpkin is also good for baking. Healthy dishes made from this vegetable can help with diseases of the digestive system and vitamin deficiencies. Pumpkin is of particular value for baby food - it is excellent for the first feeding of infants, since it does not contain allergens and does not require additional sugar.
Fans of exotic cuisine also prepare interesting dishes from flowers: they can be fried in batter or stuffed.
This variety is also suitable for industrial cultivation, since pumpkins last a long time and tolerate transportation well.
Characteristics of the variety
The Honey Dessert variety is an early ripening variety: depending on the growing conditions, the fruits reach technical maturity in 90 - 110 days from the moment of germination.
This frost-resistant variety of crop tolerates temperature changes well. It can be grown everywhere in Russia.The variety feels great in the south and in the middle zone; if agricultural practices are followed for cold, short summer conditions, it also grows well in the northern regions.
Pumpkins have an average shelf life - manufacturers specify a minimum shelf life of about 100 days, but usually, if the conditions are strictly observed, the pumpkin will last longer.
Different seed companies claim different yields. Thus, you can find predicted yields in the range from 3 to 11 kg per 1 sq. m. In many ways, these figures depend on the growing region.
This variety tolerates drought well, but needs moisture for the formation of green mass and ovaries.
Resistance to pests and diseases
A varietal feature of the Honey Dessert pumpkin is its resistance to the main diseases of pumpkin crops. However, it is necessary to regularly inspect the plantings for the presence of lesions. The most common pests are spider mites, aphids, and caterpillars, which can be combated using traditional methods - infusion of hot pepper or garlic, as well as a soap-ash solution.
Advantages and disadvantages
The undoubted advantages of the Honey Dessert pumpkin variety include the following features:
- unusual honey taste;
- high content of vitamins and minerals;
- relatively simple agricultural technology;
- resistance to crop diseases;
- good keeping quality of fruits;
This variety also has some disadvantages that should be taken into account when cultivating:
- large area required for planting;
- demands on soil fertility.
Growing technology
Well-lit areas protected from strong winds are suitable for growing this variety of pumpkin. The plant prefers light loamy and sandy loam soils; A rich harvest can be obtained by planting crops on a compost heap. When planning plantings, you need to take into account that, like other large-fruited pumpkins, Honey Dessert grows greatly. The optimal planting pattern is 100x100 cm. To save space, pumpkins can be planted near buildings that will serve as support for its long vines.
This variety also grows well in high beds, which warm up faster and do not flood in the event of heavy rains.
Before winter, the site is dug up and holes are prepared into which organic and mineral fertilizers are applied. If it was not possible to fertilize the soil in the fall, humus can be added in the spring 14 days before planting.
Depending on weather conditions, Honey Dessert pumpkin can be grown using both seedlings and non-seedlings. Seedlings begin to be driven out 20–25 days before the planned day of planting in open ground. As a rule, seedlings are planted in the garden bed in the third ten days of May - the first ten days of June.
Preparation of seed material, both for seedling and non-seedling methods, includes selecting the strongest seeds, disinfection, and soaking in growth stimulants.
For seedlings, seeds are planted in individual containers of 2–3 pieces.A mixture of garden soil with humus or compost is used as a substrate. To maintain the microclimate (heat and humidity) necessary for germination, the containers are covered with film. Of the emerging seedlings, only the strongest plant is left; the rest are pinched off. Before planting seedlings in the garden, it is recommended to harden them by taking them outside for several hours a day.
This variety of pumpkin should be planted in open ground in late May - early June. Using hatched seeds will speed up germination. 2–3 seeds are sown in pre-prepared holes, deepening them to 5–8 cm. It is recommended to cover the planting sites with film overnight until shoots emerge.
Regular care of the crop consists of watering, loosening, weeding, fertilizing and inspecting the plantings for diseases and pests. Watering this vegetable has some peculiarities: the plant requires a lot of moisture during the growing season; during the ripening of pumpkins, watering is reduced, and before harvesting it is stopped completely. Some vegetable growers mulch the soil around the main stem. This avoids the formation of an earthen crust after watering, retains moisture and protects the plant from weeds. However, there is no great need for this procedure.
In addition, the plant needs shaping. In order for large Honey Dessert pumpkin fruits to ripen, it is recommended to leave 2 to 4 fruits on the plant.
To stimulate the growth of adventitious roots, the stems of the plant are sprinkled with moist soil. This allows you to provide the plant with additional nutrition.
The Honey Dessert pumpkin is harvested in August - September in the technical maturity phase, cutting it off along with the stalk. Store pumpkins at a temperature of plus 5÷15°C in a dry place. The pulp, cut into cubes, can be stored in the freezer for up to a year.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Honey dessert is rightfully considered one of the most delicious and healthy pumpkins of the honey variety. Simple agricultural technology, relative unpretentiousness and disease resistance make this variety attractive for cultivation throughout Russia.
