pumpkin 'Marina di Chioggia'
pumpkin or Cucurbita pepo 'Marina di Chioggia'
- Position: full sun
- Soil: humus-rich, moisture retentive soil
- Rate of growth: fast
- Hardiness: half-hardy annual
A heritage variety from the Veneto region of northern Italy with thick, knobbly skin, varying from dark-green to blue-grey and deliciously sweet yellow/orange flesh. Rich in vitamins and minerals, the fruits of 'Marina di Chioggia' have a pleasant and sweet nutty taste and typically reach a size of 4kg and can last for several months if stored in a cool, dry environment. - Growing instructions: Sow two seeds, 1" (2.5cm) deep, in a 10cm pot in late spring in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. Lay the seed vertically, if laid flat, seeds can rot before germinating. Germination takes approx 10-14 days with at 68-78°F (20-25°C). Pot on seedlings as they grow, then harden off carefully and plant out in a sunny, sheltered spot once all threat of frost has passed. Leave 1.5m between each plant and protect from slugs. Harvest once the squash has coloured up and the skins have hardened in in the sun.
- Sow: April to May
- Harvest: October to November
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets