Pumpkin red by etamps, large red pumpkin - pressing block 10x10 cm

This flattened bright orange-red 'Rouge vif d'etampes' is an old French variety and one of the most widely grown pumpkin varieties. They are grown for both consumption and ornamental value.

The fruit size can range from 30 to 50 cm in diameter and 15 to 25 cm in height, weighing up to 20kg. The yellow-orange flesh is soft in taste, firm in texture and of medium quality.

CULTIVATION TIPS:
The pumpkin is a plant that is very sensitive to night frost, so definitely do not plant out too early. Normally you can plant outside from mid-May without risk.

Also keep in mind that the plant needs a lot of space. The pumpkin grows best in a sunny environment because it does like heat. For these reasons, planting it on a compost heap is definitely not a bad idea, the heat released from composting is a boon to the pumpkin.

For best results, top the plant as soon as it reaches about 5 feet tall to allow it to form side shoots. Keep 2 to 3 side shoots. When the plant has produced a number of fruits, it is better to remove the ever-rising side shoots so that all the plant's energy can go to the fruits.

Pumpkins need a lot of water, so try to keep the soil moist but not too wet. On very hot days it is advisable to water even twice a day, as the large leaves evaporate enormously.

PROBLEMS AND DISEASES:
The main disease in pumpkins is powdery mildew. This disease can be recognized by the white spots on the leaves. Mildew usually occurs later in the season. The leaves will die but you will suffer virtually no loss of production.

HARVEST AND STORAGE:
Pumpkins really can't stand night frost, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and be sure to harvest before the first fall night frost. Light frost can already be fatal.

Pumpkins for consumption should be harvested early, pumpkins for decoration can stay on the plant a little longer. If the fruits are too large, they will lose their flavor. The ideal time to harvest pumpkins is late August, early September. A pumpkin is ripe when longitudinal stripes appear on the fruit stem, these stripes appear to be slightly corked.

If you are going to harvest the pumpkin, always leave a stalk of about four inches on the pumpkin, this is good for the preservability. Harvest pumpkins carefully to prevent damage and, in all probability, rotting at a later stage. Store pumpkins in a dry, not too cold place. This way you can keep them for up to four months.

CULINARY:
The 'Rouge vif d'etampes' is not the most delicate variety but is still a fruit that can be eaten raw, roasted, pureed or stewed. This pumpkin is also great for soups and curries or as a filling for breads and pastries.