15 Interesting Facts about Pumpkins

1. Technically, as pumpkin, we characterize the cultivars of the following species of the genus Cucurbita: C. pepo, C. mixta, and C. moschata.
2. Pumpkins are native to North, Central and South America, depending on the species.
3.  Pumpkin species belong to the Cucurbitaceae family.
4. There are more than 45 different pumpkin varieties.
5. Most Pumpkin plants are annual, herbaceous vines with tendrils, although nowadays, we find varieties that grow as vineless bushes.
6. There is a wide variety of Pumpkin types, including varieties with small, medium, or large fruit sizes (over 75 lb or 34 kg). The fruits may have grey, green to orange-red skin color and yellow-orange flesh. 
7. Fruit setting relies on the activity of bees and other beneficial insects that distribute pollen. Placing 2-3 strong bee hives per hectare (1 hive per acre) at the time before flowering is almost necessary for large commercial Pumpkin farms.
8. The fruit comes in various colors (the skin and the flesh), from grey-green to vivid orange, and is 92% water.
9. Harvesting Pumpkin when growing from seed takes 5 to 6 months on average. Pumpkins in the North hemisphere are usually harvested in October. 
10. Pumpkin is an annual, warm-season plant. Pumpkin prefers warm areas to grow properly and has zero tolerance to frost. 
11. Nowadays, Pumpkins are grown in almost all tropical and subtropical regions. China is the largest Pumpkin producer. India and Russia are also great Pumpkin producers. The USA follows.
12. Pumpkins are grown growth for consumption and decoration purposes.
13. Pumpkins are a symbol of American Halloween.
14. Pumpkins are used as ingredients in foods, sweets, and a wide variety of other culinary purposes.
15. Pumpkins develop large leaves and yellow or orange flowers of both genders. The plant produces a big orange fruit that is a good source of fiber, vitamins, and nutrients.

References

• https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/10-things-you-probably-didnt-know-about-pumpkins

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