Calabaza
Cucurbita maxima
De un vistazo
¡Es temporada de plantar Calabaza! Empieza a planificar tu jardín ahora.
Una planta enredadera de temporada cálida con frutos grandes y naranjas. Las calabazas necesitan mucho espacio y una larga temporada de crecimiento.
Calendario de plantación y cosecha
Etapas de crecimiento
De la semilla a la cosecha
Germinación
Días 0–10
Las semillas grandes germinan rápidamente en suelo cálido (21-32°C). Los cotiledones gruesos atraviesan la superficie con una fuerza considerable.
💡 Consejo de cuidado
Siembra las semillas a 2,5 cm de profundidad en suelo que se haya calentado al menos a 18°C. Siembra 2-3 semillas por montículo y aclara a la más fuerte.
Young pumpkin seedling with broad cotyledons
Calendario de cuidado mensual
Qué hacer cada mes para tu Calabaza
Mayo
Mes actualTransplant seedlings or direct sow after all frost danger has passed and soil is consistently warm. Plant in hills with 2-3 seeds per hill, spacing hills 120-180 cm apart. Apply thick organic mulch and protect young plants from cucumber beetles.
¿Sabías que?
Datos fascinantes sobre Calabaza
The world record pumpkin weighed 1,226 kg (2,702 lbs), grown in Italy in 2021 — competitive giant pumpkin growing is a serious international sport with dedicated breeding programs.
Plante calabazas después de la última helada cuando el suelo alcance al menos 18°C. Siembre semillas 2,5 cm de profundidad. Las plantas necesitan 2-3 m de espacio en cada dirección.
Las calabazas son alimentadores pesados y necesitan suelo rico en nutrientes. Mantenga humedad constante.
Green fruit swelling rapidly on the vine
Pumpkins (Cucurbita species) are among the oldest domesticated plants in the world, with archaeological evidence of cultivation in the Oaxaca Valley of Mexico dating to approximately 7500 BC. The earliest pumpkins were small, hard-shelled, and bitter — valued primarily for their nutrient-rich seeds rather than their flesh. Over thousands of years, indigenous peoples of the Americas selectively bred pumpkins for larger size, sweeter flesh, and thinner rinds, developing the diverse range of squash species we know today.
Pumpkins were a cornerstone of the 'Three Sisters' agricultural system practiced by Native Americans across North America — corn, beans, and squash grown together in a mutually beneficial polyculture. The large pumpkin leaves shaded the soil, conserving moisture and suppressing weeds while the vines stabilized the corn stalks. European explorers encountered pumpkins throughout the Americas and brought seeds back to Europe in the 16th century, where they quickly became valued both as livestock feed and human food.
In American culture, pumpkins hold a uniquely prominent position. Pumpkin pie became a Thanksgiving tradition in the 18th century, and the jack-o'-lantern is now the universal symbol of Halloween. The canned pumpkin industry began in the early 1900s and today over 80% of the world's canned pumpkin comes from Morton, Illinois. Competitive giant pumpkin growing has become a global phenomenon with international competitions and specialized genetics producing fruits exceeding 1,000 kg — a testament to the pumpkin's extraordinary genetic potential for rapid growth.
Siembre directamente después de la última helada. Semillas 2,5 cm de profundidad.
Suelo rico en nutrientes con pH 6,0-7,0. Incorpore abundante compost.
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10°C – 35°C
50°F – 95°F
Pumpkins are warm-season crops that thrive in hot conditions between 21-30°C (70-85°F). Seeds germinate best at 25-30°C soil temperature and won't germinate below 15°C. Plants are killed by any frost and growth stalls below 10°C. They tolerate heat well up to 35°C but may experience reduced fruit set above 32°C due to pollen viability issues. Consistent warmth throughout the growing season is essential for the 90-120 days needed to mature.
Problemas comunes que afectan a Calabaza y cómo prevenirlos y tratarlos de forma orgánica.
Mala polinización lleva a frutos pequeños o deformes.
Maíz y frijoles son compañeros clásicos (Tres Hermanas).
- 1Build 'pumpkin hills' by mounding soil 15-20 cm high and 60-90 cm across, enriched with a full shovel of compost and aged manure — pumpkins are among the heaviest feeders in the garden.
- 2Protect young seedlings from cucumber beetles using row cover until flowering begins — these beetles spread bacterial wilt which kills vines rapidly once infected.
- 3For the biggest pumpkins, allow only one fruit per vine by removing all additional female flowers after the first fruit has set and reached softball size.
- 4Bury vine nodes every 60-90 cm where leaf stems emerge by covering with soil — the vine roots at these points, creating additional nutrient and water uptake capacity.
- 5Water deeply at the base of the plant using soaker hoses or drip irrigation — overhead watering promotes powdery mildew and other fungal diseases on the large, dense leaves.
- 6Place a board, thick cardboard, or straw pad under developing pumpkins to prevent bottom rot from soil contact and make harvesting cleaner.
- 7When pumpkins are developing, switch from balanced fertilizer to a phosphorus-potassium heavy formula (like 5-10-10) to support fruit development rather than more vine growth.
- 8Cure harvested pumpkins in the field for 10 days at 27-29°C (80-85°F) to harden the skin, heal minor wounds, and dramatically extend storage life from weeks to months.
Coseche calabazas cuando la cáscara está dura y no se raya fácilmente. Coseche antes de la primera helada.
Mature pumpkins with deep orange color and dried stems
Almacene en lugar fresco y seco por meses. Puede congelarse o enlatarse.
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Información nutricional
Por porción de 100g
26
Calorías
Beneficios para la salud
- Exceptionally rich in beta-carotene (provitamin A) — one of the highest natural sources, supporting vision and immune function.
- Pumpkin seeds (pepitas) are a nutritional powerhouse: high in zinc, magnesium, iron, and healthy fats.
- Low in calories (26 per cup) while providing substantial volume, making it excellent for weight management.
- Good source of potassium supporting heart health and blood pressure regulation.
- Contains lutein and zeaxanthin, carotenoid antioxidants that protect eye health and may reduce macular degeneration risk.
- Rich in soluble fiber that supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels.
💰 ¿Por qué cultivar tus propios?
Pumpkins offer good value with a single €2 seed packet producing 6-10 plants yielding 20-50+ pumpkins worth €40-100+ at retail prices (€3-8 per pumpkin for decorating, €2-4/kg for cooking varieties). Their long storage life (3-6 months) provides winter food from a single summer planting. Seeds saved from your harvest are free for next year.
Rich in beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium
Recetas rápidas
Recetas sencillas con Calabaza frescos
Classic Pumpkin Soup
35 minA velvety, warming soup that showcases pumpkin's natural sweetness. Roasting the pumpkin first adds deep caramelized flavor. Finished with cream and toasted pepitas.
Roasted Pumpkin Wedges
40 minSimple, caramelized pumpkin wedges roasted at high heat with olive oil, maple syrup, and warm spices. The edges crisp while the interior becomes silky and sweet.
Spiced Pumpkin Seeds
25 minCrunchy, addictive roasted pepitas coated in spices. Clean seeds from the pumpkin, toss with seasoning, and roast until golden. A zero-waste harvest snack.
Caramelized roasted pumpkin with herbs
Calculadora de Rendimiento y Espaciado
Vea cuántas plantas de Calabaza caben en su cama de jardín basándose en el espaciado recomendado de 150cm.
0
Calabaza plantas en una cama de 4×4 ft
0 columnas × 0 filas a 150cm de espaciado
Variedades populares
Algunas de las variedades de calabaza más populares para jardineros caseros, cada una con características únicas.
Jack O'Lantern
Calabaza clásica de Halloween. 110 días.
Sugar Pie
Calabaza pequeña y dulce ideal para cocinar. 100 días.
En sopas, pasteles, panqueques o como puré.
¿Cuándo debo plantar Calabaza?
Planta Calabaza en Mayo, Junio. Toma aproximadamente 100 días para madurar, con cosecha típicamente en Septiembre, Octubre.
¿Cuáles son buenas plantas acompañantes para Calabaza?
Calabaza crece bien junto a Maíz, Judías verdes, Tagete. El cultivo acompañante puede mejorar el crecimiento, sabor y control natural de plagas.
¿En qué zonas de rusticidad puede crecer Calabaza?
Calabaza prospera en zonas de rusticidad USDA 9 a 12. Con protección de invernadero, puede cultivarse en zonas 7 a 13.
¿Cuánto sol necesita Calabaza?
Calabaza requiere Sol completo (6-8h+). Esto significa al menos 6-8 horas de luz solar directa diaria.
¿A qué distancia debo espaciar Calabaza?
Espacia las plantas de Calabaza a 150cm (59 pulgadas) para crecimiento óptimo y circulación de aire.
¿Qué plagas y enfermedades afectan a Calabaza?
Los problemas comunes incluyen Barrenador de cucurbitáceas, Mildiú polvoriento. La prevención a través de buenas prácticas de jardinería como rotación de cultivos, espaciado adecuado y cultivo acompañante es el mejor enfoque. Consulta la sección de plagas y enfermedades para más detalles.
¿Cómo almaceno Calabaza después de la cosecha?
Almacene en lugar fresco y seco por meses. Puede congelarse o enlatarse.
¿Cuáles son las mejores variedades de Calabaza para cultivar?
Las variedades populares incluyen Jack O'Lantern, Sugar Pie. Cada una tiene características únicas adaptadas a diferentes condiciones de cultivo y preferencias culinarias. Consulta la sección de variedades para descripciones detalladas.
¿Qué suelo necesita Calabaza?
Suelo rico en nutrientes con pH 6,0-7,0. Incorpore abundante compost.
How much space do pumpkins actually need?
Standard vining pumpkins need 3-5 meters of sprawling space per plant — they are among the most space-demanding garden vegetables. Bush varieties like 'Bush Sugar Pie' or 'Wee-B-Little' can be grown in as little as 1.5-2 meters. Vertical growing on very strong trellises is possible for small-fruited types (under 2 kg) using slings to support developing fruit.
Why do my pumpkin flowers fall off without producing fruit?
This is completely normal — pumpkin plants produce many male flowers before the first female flowers appear. Male flowers have straight stems and provide pollen, while female flowers have a small swelling (the ovary) at the base. If female flowers are dropping without setting fruit, the issue is usually poor pollination from lack of bee activity. Hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from male to female flowers early in the morning.
Can I grow pumpkins vertically to save space?
Small-fruited varieties (under 2 kg) like Jack Be Little, Baby Boo, and Small Sugar can be grown on very sturdy trellises or cattle panels. Support developing fruit with mesh bags, old pantyhose, or fabric slings tied to the trellis structure. Standard and large pumpkins are too heavy for vertical growing — a single fruit can exceed 5-10 kg.
How do I know when pumpkins are ripe and ready to harvest?
Look for four signs: (1) the skin color has reached its expected final hue (deep orange for most varieties), (2) the skin is hard enough to resist scratching with a fingernail, (3) the stem has turned corky and begun to dry, and (4) tapping the fruit produces a hollow sound. Harvest before the first hard frost by cutting the stem with sharp pruners, leaving 10 cm of stem attached.
What's the difference between 'pie pumpkins' and carving pumpkins?
Pie (sugar) pumpkins are smaller (2-4 kg), denser, sweeter, and less watery with thicker walls — bred specifically for eating. Carving pumpkins are larger, thinner-walled, more watery, stringier, and bred for size and shape rather than flavor. Popular pie varieties include Small Sugar, New England Pie, and Cinderella (Rouge vif d'Étampes). You can eat carving pumpkins, but the flavor and texture are vastly inferior.
How long can I store pumpkins after harvest?
Properly cured (10 days at 27-29°C) and stored in a cool (10-15°C), dry location with good air circulation, most pumpkins store for 3-6 months. Butternut-type pumpkins store longest (up to 6 months), while jack-o'-lantern types last 2-3 months. Check stored pumpkins monthly for soft spots and use those first. Never store pumpkins in damp or cold conditions below 10°C.
¿Listo para cultivar Calabaza?
Añade Calabaza a tu plan de jardín y comienza a diseñar tu diseño perfecto.
Vladimir Kusnezow
Jardinero y desarrollador de software
Jardinero de zona 6b. Cultivo hortalizas y frutas en tierra e hidroponía desde hace 6 años. Creé PlotMyGarden para planificar mis propios jardines.
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