Pumpkin fruits rot: what to do?

The pumpkin is one of the oldest cultivated plants and is known for its variety of species and sizes. However, under unfavorable circumstances, the fruits are relatively delicate and prone to rot. This is what you should do when pumpkin fruit is rotting.

Rotting Pumpkins: First Aid

So that the fruit on the pumpkin does not start to rot, it is important to pay attention to the following points:

Avoid casting mistakes

The biggest mistakes are usually made when casting. Even if the plant has a high water requirement, you should not drown it. The squash starts to rot especially if you don't water the soil but directly the fruit or if the plants are just too dense and the air can't circulate. Fruits lying on wet soil are particularly at risk, as this can also lead to the formation of rot. So what to do?

• only water from below
• not about leaves and fruit
• allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings
• remove some larger leaves for better ventilation
• do not leave large fruits directly on the ground
• Straw, styrofoam or wooden boards are advisable
• Offer climbing aid to fruits of smaller varieties
• preventive increase planting distances

Correct calcium deficiency

Dark, sunken rotten spots at the point where the flowers begin, the so-called blossom end rot, suggests vegetables mostly indicative of an acute calcium deficiency. This occurs at high temperatures with high evaporation, low root pressure or an excess of nitrogen and the associated high salt content. Calcium cannot be assimilated, even if the soil has sufficient levels of it.

Affected fruits can hardly be saved, but you can counteract a recurrence with the following steps:

• If there are signs of blossom end rot, apply lime to the surface
• remove affected fruit
• reduce evaporation
• remove some leaves if necessary
• administer calcium during growth period
• ensure sufficient root pressure
• Avoid over-fertilization with nitrogen
• Fertilize with a high potash content every two weeks when fruit set
• Work in lime as a preventive measure in autumn

Hints: Blossom end rot is not a fungal disease, because then not only fruit would be affected, but also fruit stalks, petioles and leaves.

Avoid too much sun

Pumpkins are generally heat-loving. But too much or too intense exposure to the sun can be problematic, because it can cause cracks in the skin Cause pumpkin skin, which then be the entry point for putrefactive bacteria or other pathogens can. It is all the more important to ensure optimal site conditions when sowing or planting, so that the pumpkin fruits do not start to rot:

• sunny to semi-shady, sheltered location
• without the blazing midday sun
• ideally immediately on compost heap
• Protect with broken leaves on hot days
• alternatively with damp cloths
• prevent cracking or bursting of the fruit
• not several years in a row at the same location

Tip: Rotten fruit should be removed as soon as possible to ensure the healthy fruit has an optimal supply of nutrients.

fight disease

If the pumpkin fruits start to rot, fungal pathogens in the soil are often responsible. These can be fungal diseases such as black rot, gumstem disease or focal spot disease.

Rainy summers can increase the infestation pressure. Even in these cases one can only prevent it. Proceed as follows:

• remove affected fruit
• avoid overly wet crops
• for example by superstructure
• maintain long crop rotations
• at least three years
• plants with plant manure strengthen

Tip: Antifungal medications might help here. However, since pumpkins are usually intended for consumption, it is not advisable.

Allow to harden/mature

Some particularly heat-loving varieties no longer fully ripen in the autumn months. They must therefore be harvested before they are fully ripe. If you were to store the pumpkin immediately, there would be a risk that the fruit would rot. As a result, they should be cured or cured for two to three weeks. let it ripen.

• only use undamaged pumpkins 
• warm place with 20 degrees and good air circulation
• do not wash beforehand
• place on a dry surface
• Turn fruit regularly
• spend after hardening at the final storage location

Store correctly

Improper storage can also lead to rotting of the vegetable plants. In particular, condensation or sweat and storage that is too cold cause the pumpkin fruit to rot quickly. How to prevent this:

• Check fruit regularly
• Discard specimens with rotten spots
• Store in a dry, cool place
• at temperatures between 12 and 15 degrees
• ensure good air circulation
• store smaller pumpkins in nets if necessary

Tip: Pumpkins should never be held by the fruit stalk, as this tears off easily and the resulting wound can begin to rot. Under optimal conditions, undamaged pumpkins can be stored for up to six months.

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