Captain Jack Hybrid Pumpkin Seeds

Days to Maturity: 110 from direct sow

Every pumpkin patch deserves Captain Jack. This extra-large variety boasts a classic tall, barrel shape; rich orange rind and flesh; and strong curved handles. Weighing up to 45 pounds apiece, these pumpkins are the kings of the vegetable patch, and make splendid jack o'lanterns, autumn decor, and tasty eating.

Unlike many varieties, this hybrid does not mature its crop all at once, but continues to grow and fruit over a very long season. Resistant to powdery mildew, the vines are robust and healthy, with good foliage cover for the fruit. Clear a wide section of the garden and get ready to harvest beautiful pumpkins.

You can expect these flat-bottomed, tall pumpkins to reach 15 inches high and up to 13 inches in diameter, with symmetrical ribbing and a nicely curved handle just right for the "lid" of a jack o'lantern. An imposing presence on the porch steps or beside the mailbox, Captain Jack is also filled with delicious flesh and seeds, in case your palate runs to pumpkin pies.

Pumpkins are exceptionally easy to grow, given adequate space and patience. Sow the seeds outdoors when danger of frost is past, or start indoors in peat pots. Plant the seedlings (or thin to) 3 to 5 feet apart. Corn and beans are traditional pumpkin companions in a Three Sisters planting; other good friends in the pumpkin patch are nasturtiums, marigolds, oregano, and dill, all of which help repel pests such as squash beetles. Pumpkins also grow well with melons and with other varieties of squash.