Growing a square pumpkin can be a fun and challenging project for those who enjoy gardening and creativity. While growing a square pumpkin requires extra effort and attention compared to growing traditional round pumpkins, the results can be truly unique and rewarding.
A square pumpkin is a unique and unusual pumpkin not typically seen in pumpkin patches or grocery stores. As the name suggests, it is a pumpkin that is square rather than the traditional round or oval shape.
Square pumpkins are often grown for their novelty and aesthetic appeal, and they can be used in various decorative and creative ways.
This article aims to help you grow square pumpkins in 8 ways.
Let’s start.
8 Ways To Grow Square Pumpkins
To grow a square pumpkin, you can use a mold or frame. These molds are made of plastic or wood and are designed to shape the growing pumpkin into a square or other unique shape.
Here is step-by-step guidance to grow square pumpkins.
1. Choose The Right Pumpkin Variety
One of the most popular pumpkin varieties for growing square pumpkins is the Atlantic Giant. This variety is known for producing large, round pumpkins, but with proper care and attention, they can be trained to grow into a square shape using molds or frames.
Another pumpkin variety that can be used to grow square pumpkins is the Polar Bear variety. This variety is known for its smooth, white skin and is often used for carving and decorating during Halloween.
With careful shaping, the polar bear pumpkin can also be trained to grow into a square shape. Other pumpkin varieties that have been known to produce square or flat-shaped pumpkins include the Big Moose, Howard Dill’s Atlantic Giant, and the Connecticut Field variety.
If you want a square pumpkin, these varieties may need to be shaped or trained differently, but with the right care and attention, they can grow unique and eye-catching pumpkins.
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2. Buy Mold Of Any Type
One type of mold that can be used to grow a square pumpkin is plastic mold. These molds are typically made of durable plastic and can be reused year after year. They are designed to fit around the growing pumpkin, allowing it to take on a square shape as it grows.
Some plastic molds may require additional support, such as wooden stakes or brackets, to ensure that the pumpkin stays in place. Another type of mold that can be used to grow a square pumpkin is a wooden frame.
Wooden frames are typically made of sturdy, untreated wood and can be customized to fit the size and shape of your pumpkin. They are designed to be placed around the pumpkin as it grows and can be adjusted as needed to maintain the square shape.
3. Prepare The Soil For Pumpkins
Preparing the soil is an important step when growing any type of pumpkin, including square pumpkins. Proper soil preparation ensures that your pumpkin plants have the nutrients and growing conditions they need to thrive and produce healthy fruit.
Pumpkins prefer well-draining soil that is not waterlogged. Select a location in your garden that gets full sun exposure and has soil that drains well. Remove any weeds, rocks, or debris from the area where you will be planting your pumpkin seeds.
Pumpkins prefer soil that is rich in organic matter. Add compost or aged manure to your soil to improve its fertility. You can add other organic matter like leaf mold, grass clippings, or shredded bark.
Before planting, it’s a good idea to test your soil’s pH levels. Pumpkins prefer soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. Pumpkins are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization throughout the growing season.
Use a balanced fertilizer with a higher ratio of potassium to promote fruit development. Apply fertilizer according to package instructions, usually every 2–3 weeks.
4. Sow The Pumpkin Seeds
Once you have prepared the soil, you are ready to sow your pumpkin seeds to grow square pumpkins. Wait until after the last frost and the soil has warmed up before planting your pumpkin seeds. Pumpkin seeds need warm soil to germinate and grow.
Select pumpkin seeds that are specifically bred for producing large pumpkins with a square shape, such as the Atlantic Giant variety. Create small mounds of soil, about 2-3 feet apart, where you will plant your pumpkin seeds.
Each mound should be about 6 inches high and 2–3 feet in diameter. Plant 2–3 pumpkin seeds in each mound, about 1 inch deep. Cover the seeds with soil and gently pat the soil down. Water the seeds thoroughly after planting to ensure the soil is moist.
5. Place The Mold Over the Pumpkins
If you want to grow square pumpkins with a mold, you will need to place the mold over the developing pumpkins at the appropriate time. Once the pumpkin vines have started to grow and the pumpkins are about the size of a baseball, it’s time to place the mold over the developing fruit.
This is usually about 2–3 weeks after the pumpkin seeds have germinated. Select a mold that fits the size and shape of your developing pumpkin. You can purchase a mold online or at a gardening store, or you can create your own mold using materials like chicken wire or PVC pipes.
Gently place the mold over the developing pumpkin, making sure that it fits snugly around the pumpkin. The mold should be secured in place with stakes or brackets to ensure that it stays in place as the pumpkin grows.
Check the pumpkin regularly to make sure that it is growing properly within the mold. If the pumpkin starts to outgrow the mold, you may need to adjust the mold or create a new one to fit the larger size.
Once the pumpkin has grown to the desired size and shape, carefully remove the mold. Be sure to remove the mold slowly and carefully so as not to damage the pumpkin.
6. Secure The Molds
Securing the molds is an important step when growing square pumpkins using molds. Select molds that fit the size and shape of your developing pumpkin. You can purchase molds online or at a gardening store, or you can create your own molds using materials like chicken wire or PVC pipes.
Once the pumpkin vines have started to grow and the pumpkins are about the size of a baseball, place the molds over the developing pumpkins. Make sure the molds fit snugly around the pumpkins, leaving enough room for them to grow.
Check the molds regularly to make sure they are still securely in place. The weight of the growing pumpkin can cause the mold to shift or become loose, which can affect the shape of the pumpkin.
Adjust the stakes or brackets as necessary to keep the molds in place. Make sure the pumpkin is protected from damage while it’s growing. Avoid touching or moving the pumpkin, as it can be delicate at this stage.
Also, protect it from pests or diseases that can affect the health of the pumpkin. Once the pumpkin has grown to the desired size and shape, carefully remove the molds. This should be done slowly and carefully to avoid damaging the pumpkin.
7. Monitor The Plants Growth Regularly
Monitoring the growth of your pumpkin plants regularly is an important aspect of growing square pumpkins. Check on your pumpkin plants every day to ensure that they are growing properly.
Look for any signs of damage or disease, and make sure that the plants are getting enough water and sunlight. Measure the size of your pumpkins regularly using a tape measure.
This will help you track their growth and determine when it’s time to place the molds over them. If you are using molds to grow square pumpkins, make sure to adjust them regularly as the pumpkins grow.
The molds should fit snugly around the pumpkins without putting too much pressure on them. Make sure your pumpkin plants are getting enough water and nutrients to grow healthy and strong.
Water them regularly, especially during hot and dry weather, and fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer as needed. Keep an eye out for any signs of pests or diseases that may affect your pumpkin plants. Take action quickly to prevent any infestations or infections from spreading.
8. Harvest The Square Pumpkins
Harvesting square pumpkins is similar to harvesting traditional round pumpkins. Square pumpkins are typically ready to be harvested when they are fully mature and have reached their full size. This can take anywhere from 80 to 120 days, depending on the variety.
The color of the pumpkin will also give you an indication of when it is ready to be harvested. When the pumpkin has turned a deep, rich color and the skin has hardened, it is usually ready to be harvested.
Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the stem of the pumpkin, leaving about 3–4 inches attached to the fruit. Be careful not to damage the stem or the pumpkin as you cut. Once you have harvested your square pumpkins, store them in a cool, dry place where they can continue to ripen and mature.
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Conclusion
Growing a square pumpkin is a fun and unique way to add some excitement to your garden or front porch. You can successfully grow healthy and robust square pumpkins that are sure to be the envy of your neighborhood.
Remember to give your pumpkin plants plenty of care and attention throughout the growing season, including regular watering, fertilization, and protection from pests and diseases. With patience and diligence, you can grow beautiful and unique square pumpkins that will be the talk of the town.
Thanks for Reading!
