Seed rate
Approximately 1.0-1.5 kg of seeds are required for cultivating one hectare of land.
Planting
January-March and September-December are the ideal seasons for growing pumpkin. For the rain fed crop, sowing can be started after the receipt of first few showers during May-June. Prepare the soil to a fine tilth by ploughing and pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are taken at a spacing of 4.5 x 2 m. Well rotten FYM and fertilizers are mixed with topsoil in the pit.
Sow four or five seeds in a pit at 1-2 cm depth. Deeper sowing delays germination. As seedlings require ample water for quicker germination, a pre-sowing irrigation 3-4 days before sowing is beneficial. Irrigate with a rose can daily. The seeds germinate in about 4-5 days. Unhealthy plants are removed after two weeks and only 3 plants are retained per pit.