Days to Maturity: 100 to 120
An heirloom variety of Native American origin, pre-1700, Connecticut Field, a C. pepo species, usually recognized as the true pumpkin, is grown as a fruit vegetable. These large oblate-shaped globes grow to approximately 10 to 14 inches high with a 12- to 15-inch diameter (some reaching 20 inches), weighing in at 15 to 25 pounds. A culinary pumpkin, it has a thin, hard, slightly ribbed bright yellow-orange rind and thick, sweet deep-yellow flesh that is good for pumpkin pies, stews, and soups, or for canning. And roasted pumpkin seeds make a nutritious and delicious snack. These pumpkins are also good for carving and make excellent jack-o'-lanterns.
This herbaceous annual winter squash is a member of the cucurbit (Cucurbitaceae) family. It grows vigorously, forming a spreading vine that needs lots of space to grow, producing cornfield type pumpkins. Open pollinated, it produces seed that will grow true to type, ideal for seed saving.
Easy to grow from seed, it grows to its fullest potential in full sun and fertile, organically rich, moist, well-drained loams. Succession plantings every 2 to 3 weeks is recommended for continual harvest. Harvest pumpkin fruits when the rind is hard and orange in color.
A warm-season vegetable, sensitive to cold temperatures and frost, it can be direct sown into warm spring soil after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature is 58 to 60°F, but plants can also be started indoors and transplanted. Flowers begin to set fruit with night temperatures between 55 and 75°F. Protect plants if temperatures are expected to dip below 50°F. Mulching helps to control weeds, moderate soil temperature, and to maintain soil moisture. Pumpkins are damaged by heavy frost. Row covers offer added protection from heavy frost.
If you plan to start your seeds indoors, be sure to check out our Bio Dome Seed Starter Kit. With the Bio Dome, you can control the temperature, light, and soil mix to ensure your seeds become strong for transplant.
