Squash – Pumpkin Rouge Vif D’Etampes
Squash – Pumpkin Rouge Vif D’Etampes introduced over 100 years ago and often referred to as “ Cinderella” pumpkin / squash. Vivid red-orange round, lobed fruits shaped like cheese blocks up to 18kg, of excellent sweet flavor, great for pies or roasting, are produced on medium sized bush vines. The shell was traditionally used in Europe as a soup tureen. Maturity 90-100 days
Cultivation Advice Squash – Pumpkin Rouge Vif D’Etampes
- A sunny spot protected from strong winds is essential.
- The soil must be well drained and rich in humus, the more the better.
- Many winter Squash / Pumpkins like to sprawl out and need plenty of space. Vining Squash / Pumpkins require a larger area to run, whilst semi-vining and bush varieties of winter squash / courgette can be well contained.
- For an early start (Mid / Late Apr) place a single seed edgeways 1/2inch deep in seed compost in a 3inch pot. The critical part is temperature, these need at least 65F continuous soil temperature (preferably more to maximise germination rates) until germinated, so a propagator, well heated greenhouse or airing cupboard is ideal
- Keep the soil moist – water copiously around the plants, not over them.
- Keep weed free to allow air circulation.
- Once the fruits start to swell feed every 14 days with a tomato type fertilizer, these are greedy plants. Limit larger fruiting varieties to 2-3 fruits (for giant pumpkins 1).
