CULTURE: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0–6.8 is best. Plastic mulch and fabric row covers can aide plant establishment and exclude insect pests during the seedling stage. Row covers should be removed when plants begin to flower to allow for pollination. Poor fruit development may indicate insufficient pollination.
TRANSPLANTING: Sow 2-3 seeds per 5cm container or plug flat about 3 weeks prior to transplanting. Thin to 1 plant/container or cell with scissors. Harden plants 4–7 days prior to transplanting. After danger of frost has passed, transplant out according to the spacing recommendations for each variety. Handle seedlings carefully; minimal root disturbance is best.
DIRECT SEEDING: Sow 2 seeds at the appropriate spacing interval for the variety’s vine length, 13-25mm deep. Thin to 1 plant per spacing interval after seedlings are established.
PLANT SPACING: Bush to short-vine habits generally require 2 metres between-row spacing, while long-vine habits require 4 metres between-row spacing. In-row spacing depends on fruit size as well as vine length and is generally: small fruit/bush or short vine type: 45-60cm; medium fruit and vine length: 60-90cm; large fruit or long vine length: 90-120cm.
DISEASES: Common cucurbit diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, and phytophthora. Avoid problems by ensuring adequate soil drainage, good air flow, insect pest control, and crop rotation.
INSECT PESTS: Cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and vine borers are all common pests for cucurbits. Protect young plants with floating row cover. Squash bug eggs found on the undersides of leaves may be crushed by hand. For vine borers, cut out of vines and hill soil over the wound. Keep field borders mowed and remove plant refuse in autumn; spring plow to bury pupae. C. moschata types are less susceptible to vine borers. Pyrethrin sprays may offer some control.
HARVEST: Fruits can tolerate 1-2 light frosts, however, temperatures below -2°C can damage fruit. When fruit colour is fully developed, clip handles close to the vine. Avoid picking up fruits by handles and take care not to damage the skin/rind. Sun cure in the field for 5-7 days or cure indoors by keeping fruits at 27-29°C with good air ventilation. White varieties should be brought out of direct sunlight once foliage starts to die back; cure inside and keep out of sun to avoid yellowing.
STORAGE: Store at 10-15°C with 50-70% relative humidity and good ventilation.
DAYS TO MATURITY: From direct seeding; subtract about 14 days if transplanting.
