Cultural Program Pumpkins require moderate amounts of fertilizer, the exact amounts determined by soil testing. The phosphate and micronutrients should be incorporated in the bed at planting. Some nitrogen and potassium should be placed in the bed area with most being banded in several applications through the early part of the season. For double-cropping on mulched beds with drip irrigation, the N and K should be injected for the pumpkin crop. One difficulty with pumpkin production is disease control.
Viruses can be especially troublesome and can discolor the fruits.
Diseases, such as downy mildew and powdery mildew, require timely fungicide application. Suitable weed control will require a combination of mechanical and chemical measures. Pumpkins are sensitive to nematodes so that rotation will be needed. Insects such as cutworms, vine borers, and wireworms can be controlled by timely insecticide applications. Control of all pumpkin pests is required to maintain the foliage in optimum condition for superior yield and maximum fruit color development.