Pumpkin (giraumon) is a versatile crop in Mauritius, used in soups, curries, gratins, and desserts. The vines spread widely, making it suitable for larger plots or trained along fences.

Local names: Giromon, Giraumon, Pumpkin

Months: March, April, May, June, July, August

Plant from March to August. Prefers the transition from summer to winter. Needs warm soil for germination.

• Soil type: Rich, well-drained loamy soil with good organic matter
• pH: 6.0–6.8
• Compost: Create planting mounds enriched with compost and aged manure. Pumpkins are very heavy feeders.

• Seed type: Direct sow seeds into mounds
• Spacing: 90–120 cm between plants, 150–200 cm between rows
• Watering: Deep watering 2–3 times per week. Water at the base, not on leaves, to prevent mildew.
• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Organic options:

• Compost
• Cow manure
• Fish emulsion every 2 weeks

Chemical options:

• NPK 10-10-10
• Potassium sulphate at fruiting stage

Squash vine borer

• Natural remedy: Wrap base of stems with aluminium foil and use Bt spray
• Chemical fallback: Carbaryl

Powdery mildew

• Natural remedy: Milk spray (1 part milk to 9 parts water) and good spacing
• Chemical fallback: Sulphur-based fungicide

• Days to maturity: 90–120 days
• Indicators: Skin is hard and cannot be dented with a fingernail. Stem begins to dry and crack. Skin colour deepens.
• Yield tips: Leave 5–10 cm of stem attached when cutting. Cure in the sun for a week to harden skin for storage.

• Duration: 2–6 months
• Temperature: Cool, dry place at 10–15°C
• Tips: Cure in the sun for 7–10 days after harvest. Store on a shelf (not concrete floor) with good air circulation.