The pumpkin sprout emerges from the ground as two oval-shaped, green leaves attached to a tiny stem. Immediately upon making its emergence, the sprout’s leaves should be pointing upward toward the sun.
Pumpkin Cotyledons
People are more familiar with the term pumpkin leaf, which is more commonly utilized than the scientific term “cotyledon.”
The tiny pumpkin sprout has a whorl or pair of embryonic leaves. The tiny embryonic leaves at as storage for the sprout.
They store sufficient fuel to supply the sprout and eventually, the plant.
[Related Article: When Do Pumpkins Bloom]
Pumpkin Sprout Leaves “Cotyledons” Description
As previously mentioned, when the pumpkin sprout is only a few hours old, its leaves point upward toward to sun. Some gardeners like the term “praying leaves,” which is a sign of a healthy pumpkin sprout.
If you look closely at the sprout, you can see prominent veins “nerves.”
The veins play a major role in the health of the pumpkin plant.
They serve the same purpose as the human vein, as they act like pipes that allow nutrients to travel throughout the plant.
They also serve as a support system for the leaves.
While the tiny veins look vulnerable, they are very much the opposite.
They are strong enough to support the leaves by keeping them open for the process known as “photosynthesis.”
This process utilizes natural sunlight to synthesize food from water and carbon dioxide.
The compound chlorophyll is responsible for trapping the light from the sun, jumpstarting photosynthesis.
The key elements of the process are carbon dioxide “CO2” and water.
They will eventually spread open for photosynthesis, thanks to the tiny nerves inside the leaves.
[Related Article: How To Encourage Female Pumpkin Flowers]
Mature Pumpkin Leaf Description
It can take up to seven days after the pumpkin seed sprouts for true leaves to appear. The mature pumpkin leaf is rounded and lobed, with serrated edges.
Each mature leaf features visible veins “nerves” like the embryonic leaf.
The veins still act as a support system and nutrient transport for the plant.
Healthy mature pumpkin leaves are generally dark green. However, they can range between grayish-green and light green. At this stage of the life cycle, the stem and veins will take on a yellowish-green coloration.
This is nothing to be concerned with because it is a normal part of the pumpkin life cycle.
From the moment, the mature leaf emerges from its sheath, it will begin to grow. In the meantime, new true leaves will continue to develop.
It can take between two and three weeks for the first set of mature leaves to develop.
The seedling will also continue to grow and strengthen.
The mature pumpkin leaf measures between 20 and 25 centimeters by 25 and 30 centimeters.
How Long Does It Take For A Pumpkin To Grow After It Sprouts
Pumpkins are a summer squash that typically take 90-120 days to mature after seeds are planted.
The time it takes for a pumpkin to grow can vary depending on the variety of pumpkin, the weather, and other growing conditions.
For example, if you’re growing pumpkins in a hot climate, they may mature faster than if you’re growing them in a cool climate.
Once your pumpkin plants have sprouted, they’ll start to produce leaves and vines.
The leaves will continue to grow and the vines will start to twist and turn. After about two months, your pumpkin plants should start to bloom.
The blooms will eventually turn into pumpkins. Depending on the variety of pumpkin, it can take anywhere from 90-120 days for the pumpkins to mature and be ready for harvest.
Pumpkin Stem Description
There is just something special about putting pumpkins on display in front of your home, that you actually grew.
This surely beats buying store-bought pumpkins, which are always limited to small- or medium-sized.
When you are in control, you can grow a pumpkin large enough to enter it in the Largest Pumpkin Contest.
If you ask gardeners to provide an in-depth description of the pumpkin stem, rarely, you only hear the term “hollow” mentioned, rarely.
A hollow pumpkin stem generally requires less energy to grow, making it stronger and sturdier.
