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How to Manage Pests

Pests in Gardens and Landscapes

Pumpkins – Cucurbita pepo and C. maxima
Family Cucurbitaceae (Gourd family)

Plant Description

Pumpkins are a cultivar type of winter squash. Like other squash, the flesh, seeds and flowers of pumpkins may be edible and can be used for baking or cooking. Some varieties are used for ornamental decorations while others are used specifically for cooking. The skin of the fruit is traditional recognized pumpkin is ribbed and orange, but pumpkins can vary in color from white to green to several shades of peach and orange. Pumpkins also range in size with some varieties producing fruit more than 100 pounds. Pumpkins need space to grow, as bush types can spread to more than 20 feet.

Cultural Tips

Cultural practices such as proper site selection, soil preparation, planting, and watering are important for plant health, pest management and pest reduction when growing pumpkins.

For more information about growing vegetables, visit the UC ANR California Garden Web website.

A pile of harvested pumpkins, Cucurbita pepo.

Pests and disorders of Pumpkins

Invertebrates

 

Diseases

Environmental disorders

Vertebrates

Weeds

Statewide IPM Program, Agriculture and Natural Resources, University of California
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