Tender pumpkin has soft skin and tender flesh. It is a kind of pumpkin with tender texture and sweet taste. It is suitable for various cooking purposes and is rich in nutrients. It is loved by many people.

Appearance characteristics: The skin of young pumpkins is usually tender and soft, and the color may not have completely changed to mature orange, and may appear light green or light yellow. The fruit is medium in size, soft in texture, and the kernels are not yet fully formed.

Taste: The flesh of young pumpkins is tender and soft in texture, and is not as fibrous as mature pumpkin fruits. It has a sweet taste and is suitable for eating directly or cooking into various dishes.

Usage: Tender pumpkin can be used to make various delicacies, such as stir-frying, cooking soup, making pumpkin juice or making desserts. Because of its soft texture, it is often used to make baby food.

Cultivation and harvesting: The cultivation method of tender pumpkin is similar to that of ordinary pumpkin. After sowing, young pumpkins can be picked when the fruit is beginning to form but not yet fully ripe. Usually around 60 to 90 days after sowing, the fruits begin to grow larger and gradually mature.

Storage and Preservation: Tender pumpkins generally cannot be stored as long as mature pumpkins. If you are not planning to use it immediately, it is best to store it in the refrigerator and consume it within a few days to maintain freshness.

Here are guidelines for growing tender pumpkins:

Sowing time: In warmer climates, the time to sow tender squash is usually in the spring. It is best to start seeds a few weeks after the last frost.

Choose a planting site: Tender pumpkins like full sun and well-drained soil. Choose a planting site with plenty of sunlight and good ventilation, and make sure the soil is fertile.

Preparing the Soil: Before planting, prepare fertile soil for tender pumpkins. Organic matter, such as humus or compost, can be added to the soil to improve soil fertility and water retention.

Sowing: Spread tender pumpkin seeds evenly over the soil surface, then press the seeds gently to ensure contact with the soil. You can also choose to bury the seeds lightly into the soil surface.

Light and Temperature: Place the planting container in a sunny location, tender pumpkins like full sun. Make sure the temperature in the growing area is maintained between 15°C and 25°C.

Keep it Moist: Keep the soil moist but don't overwater. Check soil moisture frequently and water lightly when the surface begins to dry out.

Fertilize regularly: Apply an appropriate amount of fertilizer regularly during the growth period of the plant. You can choose organic fertilizers or chemical fertilizers and fertilize according to the growth status of the plants.

Prune regularly: Once tender pumpkin plants have grown, they can be pruned regularly to encourage new growth. This also helps prevent the plant from becoming too bushy.

Harvest: Tender squash usually begin bearing fruit 60 to 90 days after planting. After the fruit is ripe, you can gently cut it off or directly twist off the connection between the fruit and the plant.