20 Oil Pumpkin Seeds, Dynia Olbrzymia Olga Squash, Cucurbita Pepo

Sowing squash seeds (genus *Cucurbita*) is fairly easy, but there are a few steps to follow to ensure proper germination and optimal growth. Squash, such as butternut squash, winter squash, and pumpkin-type squash, require warm soil and a little patience to thrive. Here's a step-by-step guide to successfully sowing squash seeds.

---

### **Materials required:**
- **Pumpkin** seeds (butternut squash, zucchini squash, pumpkin, etc.).
- Light, well-drained potting soil.
- Pots or seed trays (if sowing indoors).
- Substrate or compost (if sowing in open ground).
- Watering can or spray bottle.
- Mulch (optional).

---

### **Steps for sowing pumpkin seeds:**

#### 1. **Seed preparation:**
Before sowing pumpkin seeds, it is generally not necessary to soak them unless they are very dry or you want to speed up germination. However, if you are using old seeds or want to be sure they germinate, you can soak them for 24 hours in warm water to stimulate germination.

---

#### 2. **Sowing the seeds:**
Sowing pumpkin seeds can be done in different ways, indoors or directly in the ground.

##### **A. Indoor sowing (if you want to start earlier in the season):**
- **When to sow**: If sowing indoors, do so about **3 to 4 weeks before the last expected frost** in your area (usually in spring).
- **Prepare pots**: Fill small pots with **light potting soil**, ideally designed for seedlings, or a mixture of potting soil and compost. You can use peat pots, as this will make transplanting easier.
- **Sow the seeds**: Plant **one seed per pot** about **2 to 3 cm deep**. Be careful not to bury the seeds too deep.
- **Watering**: Water gently with a spray bottle to avoid moving the seeds. Keep the soil moist (but not soggy) during the germination period.
- **Temperature**: Pumpkin seeds need **warmth** to germinate. The ideal temperature is **20 to 25°C**. You can place the pots in a warm spot, such as on a radiator or in a heated greenhouse.

##### **B. Sowing in open ground (if you are in a warm climate):**
- **When to sow**: Wait until the soil has warmed up and the risk of frost has passed. This is usually late spring or early summer, when temperatures reach around **15°C**.
- **Prepare the soil**: Loosen the soil on a well-drained surface. Squash likes **fresh, well-fertilized soil**, so if your soil is poor, enrich it with **compost** or **well-rotted manure**.
- **Spacing**: Sow seeds **2 to 3 cm deep** and space them **30 to 50 cm** apart depending on the squash variety. If planting multiple rows, space them about **1 meter** apart.
- **Pocket sowing**: For each seed, you can sow in **pockets of 2 to 3 seeds**. This ensures better germination, and you can thin out later to leave the most vigorous plant.

---

#### 3. **Germination conditions:**
- **Temperature**: Pumpkin seeds need a warm temperature to germinate, between **20°C and 25°C**. Make sure the soil stays within this temperature range.
- **Humidity**: Keep the soil slightly moist until germination, but be careful not to create overly humid conditions that could encourage mold growth. Light, regular watering with a spray bottle is recommended.
- **Germination**: Pumpkin seeds generally germinate in **7 to 10 days**, depending on temperature and conditions.

---

#### 4. **Care after germination:**

Once the seeds have germinated and the seedlings appear, you need to take care of your squash to help them grow well.

- **Thinning**: If you have sown several seeds per pocket, thin them out to keep only the most vigorous plant. The ideal distance between each squash plant is approximately **30 to 50 cm**.
- **Watering**: Squash need **plenty of water**, especially during the active growing season. Water regularly, especially during dry periods. Watering at the base of the plants, rather than the foliage, is preferable to avoid fungal diseases.
- **Mulching**: Use **mulch** around plants to keep the soil moist and limit weed growth.
- **Sun Exposure**: Squash need **plenty of sun**. Plant them in a spot that receives at least **6 to 8 hours of direct sun per day**.
- **Fertilization**: If necessary, you can add a fertilizer rich in potassium and phosphorus to promote fruit production.

---

#### 5. **Harvesting the squash:**
- Squash are generally ready to harvest when the fruit has reached its maximum size and its skin is firm. Harvesting is usually done between **70 and 120 days after sowing**, depending on the squash variety.
- If you have sown summer squash (like zucchini), you can harvest them young, before they get too big.
- Winter squash (such as pumpkins or butternut squash) should be harvested once their skin has become hard and they make a hollow sound when tapped.

---

### **Additional Tips:**
1. **Crop Rotation**: Do not plant squash in the same spot every year, as they are susceptible to soil-borne diseases such as mildew.
2. **Disease and Pest Control**: Keep an eye on squash for signs of disease or insect pests, such as aphids, slugs, or blight.
3. **Size**: Some squashes, especially pumpkin-type squashes, can take up a lot of space. If you're short on space, you can try growing them vertically with trellises.
4. **Late-season harvest**: For winter squash, you can harvest late in the season, but make sure they are ripe before the first frost. You can store them in a cool, dry place for later use.