The pumpkin variety 'Novelty' is a medium-ripening muscat type with a vegetative period from germination to the beginning of ripening, ranging from 105-115 days. The plant is heat-loving, strongly branching, with softly hairy stems and leaves, requiring fertile soil, especially rich in organic matter. This variety is suitable for cultivation both on dry land (without irrigation) and under irrigation, and it is resistant to powdery mildew. For optimal growth, it is recommended to pinch the tips of the vines during the vegetative period.
The fruits of the 'Novelty' pumpkin have an elongated-cylindrical shape with expansion at the floral end, giving them a distinctive guitar-like appearance. The fruit skin is thin and leathery, colored orange with a pinkish hue and dark-orange spots and stripes. The flesh is medium density, juicy and sweet, with a taste rating of 4.5 points. The average fruit weight is 3-5 kg, with seeds concentrated only in the expanded part of the fruit. The dry matter content in the fruits reaches 10.0-11.5 %, sugars — 9.0-10.0 %, vitamin C — 8.5 mg %, carotene — 14.0 mg %.
The 'Novelty' variety is characterized by high yield — on dry land, it averages 20-30 kg/m². The fruits have good transportability and can be stored in dry conditions for up to 6-8 months, making them convenient for long-term storage and sale. Due to their flavor and composition, 'Novelty' pumpkin is widely used fresh, as well as for cooking and canning. This variety has received special recognition from canning factories, where it is used for producing infant food and preparing children's purees.
