Fluted pumpkin commonly known as ugu (in the southern and eastern part of Nigeria) is a popular vegetable consumed for its leaf.
The leaf is known for being rich in vitamins and dietary fiber, boosting immunity, promoting blood health, and supporting healthy skin.
I cultivated the fluted pumpkin in April during the planting season and applied fertilizer to it at the beginning of 2nd month of its growth. It was a very large farm and my intention of planting it was but for commercial purposes, i am more interested in getting the seeds and store it for the next planting season. The seeds are quite costly in market. It is worth noting that fluted pumpkin plants have male and female types. The male plant produces only flowers, while the female plant produces both flowers and fruits after pollination. One of the lessons I learned from my mum was that you shouldn't cut leaves from female pumpkin plants, as this can affect their fruit development therefore the female pumpkins remained untouched.
Fluted pumpkin can be cultivated throughout the year in suitable climates. It doesn't have a specific cultivation season however it is plentiful in rainy season. It can also be grown around home on a favourable soil for domestic use. I made sure i have few planted at home.
Many of the fluted pumpkin plants have started developing fruits,
but it seems they are facing threats from insects that keep cutting off their stems.
Take a look at this.
I really felt bad about it because this stem carries a lot of pumpkin fruits.
Nothing could be done about it except to use the leaves for cooking.
Please, if you have any suggestions on how I can protect my pumpkins from this threat, let me know. I am open to suggestions.