Pumpkin Facts and How to grow a pumpkin

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-Comes from a family of plants called cucurbits (or the gourd family).
-Grows in fields on plants.
-Has long sprawling vines.
-Seeds are planted in the ground last week of May to middle of June, however, competitive pumpkin growers may plant their seeds as early as April.
-Will sprout in 7 to 10 days (needs moisture and warmth).
-First leaves, or seed leaves will appear.
-Next, the true leaves appear.
-True leaves are the second set of leaves that come off out of the seedling and actually look like pumpkin leaves. The first set of leaves (which aren't true leaves) are called cotlydons and are usually featureless leaves that eventually dry out.
-Root network develops in the top 12 inches of soil as leaves develop.
-Roots gather food, moisture, and air for growth.
-Strong tap root develops as deep as 3 feet.
-Tendrils develop along vines to working as anchors.
-Yellow flowers, or blossoms begin to appear after 3 weeks.
-Male blossoms are seen first, produce pollen (sit on long thing stems and are plentiful).
-A week later, female blossoms bloom (have tiny pumpkins at bases and sit closer to the vine).
-Bees transfer pollen from males to females (pollination).
-Once pollinated, fruit at base of female develops into a full-sized pumpkin.
-The plant continues to produce blossoms.
-Pumpkin contains seeds which can be saved for next year.
-They are picked in October when bright orange.
-Some pumpkins as they grow, will develop thick skin depending on what season they are grown in.
-When giant pumpkins grow they have 2 main vines, one goes out to the front and stretches about 30 feet, the other vine grows in the back and stretches for about 12 feet.
-Giant pumpkins can gain about 30 pounds or even greater numbers everyday.