Many farmers in Kenya practice pumpkin farming because of the high yields produced. Most farmers make a living out of pumpkin farming since it gives good returns. As a farmer, you must select the best variety to get good pumpkin produce. But which pumpkin variety is the best to grow? In this article, we will look at some of Kenya’s best pumpkin varieties.
In Kenya, the following are the seven best pumpkin varieties that are commonly planted, and they include:
1. Cinderella Variety
This is a fresh heirloom variety that is very popular in Kenya. The fruit is reddish-orange, flattened, and ribbed. It weighs 12 kg to 17 kg when it matures.
2. Butternut Squash
It is one of the best pumpkin varieties used for eating and cooking. It makes excellent pumpkin pies and soups with plenty of vitamins and minerals and a tasty flavor.
3. Fairytale
It is a pumpkin variety that is unique and popular. It is deeply lop-shaped and a rich, deep ran color. The flesh is fine-grained and very delicious.
4. Atlantic Giant Variety
This is a pumpkin variety that has high fiber and has bright orange-colored flesh.
5. Israel Giant Variety
It is one of the best and most common varieties that matures after six months and weighs between 20 and 30 kg.
6. Egyptian Giant.
It is an orange-fleshed pumpkin variety commonly grown in Kenya. It takes about six months to reach maturity after planting. It can thrive in most climate conditions in Kenya.
7. Baby Bear
It is a uniquely shaped pumpkin variety with a smaller base and longer stem. It is a deep orange color and averages about the right number of pumpkins per vine.
Giant Pumpkin Varieties in Kenya
Giant pumpkins are big in size and are high yielding thus loved by many farmers. They weigh between 20 kg and 30 kg just after three months of maturity.
A single mature giant pumpkin can fetch as high as Ksh. 500 when sold.
The giant pumpkin varieties that are grown in Kenya include the following five:
1. White giant from South Africa.
2. Israel giant.
3. Egyptian giant pumpkin
4. Squash.
5. Dola.
Advantages of Giant Pumpkin Variety
The following are some of the advantages of giant pumpkin varieties that make Kenyan farmers to invest in them:
1. They have a fast maturity rate. They mature after four months compared to other varieties that take up to six months.
2. Produces oil that can be extracted and sold, thus increasing income. Their outer shell is not very hard; thus, they can be crushed to extract oil.
3. They can be used to make a flour. The flour is highly nutritious and can be used to make porridge or paste and given to children.
4. They have high productivity. The pumpkins can weigh up to 30Kg thus very beneficial to the farmer.
5. They produce lots of seeds. The pumpkin seeds can be roasted and sold.
