Today, farmers are increasingly turning their attention to niche crops, among which the Turka pumpkin holds a special place. This variety is valued for its high yield, long shelf life, and versatility—ranging from seed processing to juice and feed production. Growing Turka pumpkins is a business with a relatively low barrier to entry, but it requires strict adherence to cultivation techniques.
Features of growing Turka pumpkins
- Pumpkins are light-loving and heat-loving crops. For the Turka variety, black soil or sandy soils with neutral pH are ideal.
- Sowing: Performed in soil warmed to 12°C (usually mid-May). Row spacing is 0.7 m, allowing the plant to grow freely.
- Care: The key factor is weed control in the early stages, before the vines cover the entire area with a solid carpet.
Costs: What supplies and resources are needed
To achieve a high yield, it is necessary to invest in high-quality seed and plant protection. Major expenses include:
Fertilizers: Pumpkins require a lot of nitrogen and potassium.
Pre-plant fertilization—it is recommended to apply NPK compound fertilizers.
Post-emergence fertilization: After emergence, it is recommended to apply nitrogen-containing fertilizers in the row and foliar microfertilizers containing boron, zinc, and nitrogen as needed.
Plant protection products (PPPs):
Herbicides: Use s-metolachlor-based products (e.g., “Dual Gold”) for pre-emergence weed control.
Fungicides: To control powdery mildew and anthracnose, use products containing the active ingredients metalaxyl, mancozeb, triadimefon, and copper hydroxide.
Insecticides: Protection against aphids and scale insects using products containing the active ingredients imidacloprid and lambda-cyhalothrin.
Profitability of pumpkin cultivation
The profitability of growing the Turka pumpkin variety can reach 100–150%. The main profit comes from the seeds. With a yield of 1.2–1.5 tons per hectare and a seed yield of about 1–2%, the income from selling dry seeds often fully covers cultivation costs.
Growing the Turka pumpkin is profitable provided that the right pesticides are selected and harvesting is mechanized. Its low water requirements (once a strong root system has developed) make it ideal for the southern and central regions of Ukraine.