Bone marrow pumpkin plant – How to grow bone marrow vegetables
Plants have a long history of obtaining common regional names for their physical attributes or unique characteristics. The word «marrow» immediately reminds us of the creamy, spongy white substance found inside bones. In gardens in the United Kingdom and other countries around the world, the term «marrow» refers to certain varieties of summer squash, known as marrow plants because their oval-shaped fruit is 10-12 cm (25-30 cm) in size and contains a creamy, spongy inner flesh surrounded by a hard but thin skin. Below are some tips on growing marrow plants in your garden.
Information about the pumpkin plant
The vegetable Curcurbita pepo is the most commonly known variety of pumpkin. However, Curcurbita maxima and Curcurbita maschata are similar varieties of pumpkin that can be sold under the same common name. They produce medium and large plants that will continually produce new fruit during the growing season. The high yield and compact growth of the pith plants make them ideal for pocket gardens in small landscapes.
Plants mature in 80-100 days. Their fruits can be harvested prematurely and used as courgettes. Pumpkin vegetables have a rather mild taste in itself, but their pumpkin-like flesh contains many spices, herbs and seasonings. They are also good accents for other vegetables or meats with strong flavours. They can be roasted, steamed, stuffed, stir-fried or prepared in many other ways. Pumpkin vegetables are not super rich in vitamins, but they are full of potassium.
How to grow marrow vegetables
The cultivation of marrow plants requires a site protected from cool winds and rich, moist soil. Young marrow plants can be susceptible to frost damage in the spring. Plants can also be damaged by wind if they are not placed in a protected location.
Before planting marrow plants, the soil should be prepared with plenty of rich organic matter to help provide nutrients and retain moisture.
The best flowering and fruiting is obtained when planted in full sun and fertilized with plant fertilizer every two weeks. The plants should be watered regularly to keep the soil moist, but not soaked.