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This is made possible by several genetic adaptions. Giant pumpkin cells grow larger than regular pumpkins, and are composed of more water (up to 94%). They also lack genes that stop fruit growth, resulting in continuous expansion. [3] Once pumpkins grow so large, they tend to no longer be round but will flatten out under their own intense weight.
You're not imagining it. Pumpkins just keep getting bigger and bigger each year, and scientists and farmers don't even know how large they can get.
The second group are perennials growing in arid zones which are xerophytic, meaning they tolerate dry conditions. Cultivated Cucurbita species were derived from the first group. Growing 5 to 15 meters (15 to 50 feet) in height or length, the plant stem produces tendrils to help it climb adjacent plants and structures or extend along the ground.
It's a big family with over 900 species; that said, they do have some differences. For starters, pumpkins are often larger and rounder than most squashes or gourds, although there are exceptions.
Immigrants to North America began using the native pumpkins for carving, which are both readily available and much larger – making them easier to carve than turnips. [50] Not until 1837 does jack-o'-lantern appear as a term for a carved vegetable lantern, [ 52 ] and the carved pumpkin lantern association with Halloween is recorded in 1866.
Parsing down the immense group we generically refer to as pumpkins offers a ton of variety. And they break down into several distinct categories:
One of the outcomes of plant reproduction is the generation of seeds, spores, and fruits [13] that allow plants to move to new locations or new habitats. [14] Plants do not have nervous systems or any will for their actions. Even so, scientists are able to observe mechanisms that help their offspring thrive as they grow.
Follow these pointers on how to grow and care for pumpkin plants. Discover the solutions to your common questions related to watering, fertilizing and more.