From Seed to Fruit
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A pumpkin is a type of squash. It can take four months for this fall fruit to grow. Take a look!
1. Plant the Seed
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A giant pumpkin begins as a tiny seed. The seed goes into the soil
soil
DORLING KINDERSLEY:ROB STREETER—GETTY IMAGES
the top layer of earth where plants grow
(noun)
The cactus grows well in dry soil.
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2. See It Sprout
sprout
HALFPOINT IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES
to begin to grow
(verb)
The flowers in my mom's garden sprout each spring.
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Seeds need lots of sunlight and water to grow. A seed sprouts from the soil.
3. Ready to Bloom
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The sprouts grow vines. The vines have green leaves and yellow flowers.
4. Growing Green
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Small green pumpkins grow from the vines. The fruits stay green for a month or more. The pumpkins are not yet ripe
ripe
SUBJUG—GETTY IMAGES
fully grown and ready to be eaten
(adjective)
Bananas are ripe when they are soft and yellow.
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5. Orange Pumpkins
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The green pumpkins keep growing. They take in water and sunlight. The fruits turn orange. Now they are ready to pick!
How Big?
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The Baby Boo is a tiny pumpkin. It can fit in your hand. The Big Moon is a gigantic pumpkin. Some can weigh 200 pounds!