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The Smile pumpkin was bred by breeders in Russia in 2000. Breeding began at the very moment when the need arose for a new hybrid that could be grown in any climatic conditions, even the most severe. This crop is considered unpretentious; it does not require much effort to obtain a high yield. Pumpkin Smile is an early ripening variety - you can start harvesting 85 days after planting in open ground. The main advantage is excellent taste and long shelf life.
Description of pumpkin Smile
Pumpkin Smile is a large-fruited variety. Due to the fact that the ripening process is fast, harvesting can begin 80-85 days after the planting material has been planted in open ground. As a result, even residents of those regions where climatic conditions are far from southern will be able to harvest.
The pumpkin variety Smile differs from other varieties in its bush form, which is very convenient if you are growing the crop on small plots of land. In addition, it is worth considering that the vines do not grow throughout the entire area of the garden, thereby preventing other vegetables from growing fully.On large leaf plates of rich green color you can see a pattern. During the flowering period, yellow or orange flowers appear, with a pleasant, pronounced aroma. The seeds contained in pumpkin are oval-shaped, white in color and in small quantities.
Description of fruits
If we take into account the description, photos and reviews of the Smile pumpkin variety, it is worth noting that the fruits grow small in size. As a rule, the weight is about 700 g, in some cases it can reach up to 1 kg. Fruit formation occurs directly near the stem. As practice shows, each bush can ripen on average from 7 to 10 fruits, the maximum number is 15 pieces.
The Smile pumpkin has a spherical shape, slightly flattened. The bark is a rich orange hue, with stripes of a lighter shade. When cut, you can see rich orange pulp, medium juiciness, with a small amount of seeds. Many gardeners note high taste qualities - pumpkin is very sweet and aromatic.
As a rule, pureed soups are prepared from ripe fruits and used as the main ingredient in vegetable stews. Since the amount of juice is small, it is not recommended to use the pulp to prepare pumpkin juice.
Characteristics of the variety
Before you start planting the crop, it is recommended that you first study in detail the description and photo of the Smile pumpkin variety. An attractive appearance, which even seems funny, can bring a smile to anyone’s face, perhaps this is the reason for this name for the culture.
When considering the characteristics of the Ulybka pumpkin variety, you should pay attention to the following points:
- bushy plants with rather short shoots, of which there are up to 6 pieces;
- shoots can reach a length of 6 m;
- Each bush grows up to 10 to 15 fruits;
- the pumpkin grows small, the maximum permissible weight is 1 kg, the average weight varies from 500 to 700 g;
- the fruits are segmented and spherical in shape;
- the leaf plate is quite large, pentagonal in shape, with patterns;
- pumpkin is a bright, rich orange color, in some places there are lighter shades;
- during the flowering process, orange and yellow flowers appear, with a pleasant aroma;
- the seeds are white in color, with a smooth surface, oval in shape, there are a small number of seeds in the fruit;
- despite the fact that the peel is very thick and hard, it is quite easy to remove;
- the stalk is ribbed;
- when cut, you can see the flesh of a rich orange color, dense, medium level of juiciness, there is a crunch.
Only after all the information about the crop has been studied can a decision be made on purchasing and planting planting material.
Resistance to pests and diseases
According to the reviews of those who have already planted the crop and appreciated all the benefits, and the description, the Ulybka pumpkin variety has a high level of resistance to many types of diseases and harmful insects. The only drawback that should be taken into account during the growing process is that at high humidity levels the crop may be susceptible to rot.
As a preventative measure, it is recommended to take a responsible approach to the irrigation system. Watering must be moderate; the presence of wetlands on the land where the crop grows is not allowed. In addition, it is recommended to promptly remove weeds from the beds. Many experienced gardeners advise placing wooden planks under the fruits, which can prevent the pumpkin from coming into contact with wet soil and, as a result, rotting.
Advantages and disadvantages
As a rule, any culture has advantages and disadvantages that should be considered first. Judging by the description and reviews, the Smile pumpkin is no exception in this case.
Among the advantages of this hybrid are the following:
- the unpretentiousness of the variety, as a result of which there is no need to create special conditions for growing the Ulybka variety pumpkin;
- this variety adapts perfectly to any climatic conditions and soil used;
- due to the fast ripening period, harvesting can begin 80-85 days after planting the planting material in open ground;
- high level of productivity regardless of weather conditions;
- due to the fact that the Ulybka variety pumpkin can perfectly tolerate any weather changes, the crop is able to survive possible autumn frosts, which is facilitated by a high level of cold resistance;
- due to the presence of a very thick peel, transportation over long distances is possible;
- excellent taste – sweet taste with a fruity aroma, there are notes of melon flavor;
- during storage, the taste characteristics of pumpkin improve significantly;
- growth is carried out compactly, there is no emission of long and weaving stems during the growing process;
- This product is considered dietary.
A significant disadvantage of the variety is the low level of resistance to rot if there is an increased level of humidity.
Growing Pumpkin Smile
As reviews and photos show, the Smile pumpkin does not require special care; the culture is unpretentious. Despite this, minimal favorable conditions for growing still need to be created. Due to the fact that the variety is susceptible to rot, watering must be moderate.
Many gardeners recommend initially growing seedlings and only then replanting them in open ground. For germination, it is necessary to place the planting material for some time in a solution that stimulates growth. During planting, you must adhere to the 70x70 cm pattern. Place 2 seeds in each hole. If 2 shoots appear, the weak one should be removed.
Conclusion
Pumpkin Smile is a variety that is loved by many gardeners, both experienced and beginners. A distinctive feature is the unpretentiousness of the crop - it does not require creating special conditions for cultivation. In addition, the yield will be high, regardless of weather conditions. Due to the high level of cold resistance, the fruits can tolerate short-term frosts well.If necessary, ripe pumpkins can be transported over long distances without losing their appearance, which is very beneficial if grown on a production scale for further sale.
