What Pumpkin Varieties Should I Grow?

Pumpkins are relatively easy to grow and can be a great project for family gardens! Whether you are new to gardening or are a seasoned grower, there are a few key things to keep in mind when planting your pumpkins.

1. First is that they need a lot of space and sunlight. Given that pumpkins grow on a vine, they need a lot of room to spread out. Plant in an open area with lots of sun, giving each plant plenty of room to grow.
2. It is also important to keep in mind that pumpkins need a lot of water and nutrients to grow full size. Water heavily once or twice a week and fertilize often with a standard vegetable fertilizer. Pumpkins can benefit from being planted in or near a manure pile as they thrive off the heavy nutrients and organic matter.

When selecting what variety of pumpkins you want to grow, it is important to think about what you want to use the pumpkin for as certain varieties have specific uses. Whether you are looking to grow larger pumpkins for jack-o-lanterns, smaller pumpkins for decoration, pie pumpkins, or large prize pumpkins there are a lot of great options.

Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkins

• Howden is our most popular variety for jack-o-lanterns and Halloween decoration. This variety produces deep orange symmetrical fruit that weigh between 18 and 26 pounds. 115 days to maturity.
• Connecticut Field produces medium to large fruit that weigh between 15 and 30 pounds. With bright orange fruit and a distinctive ridged surface this variety is sure to impress among your Halloween decorations.

Small Decoration Pumpkins

• Baby Bear is a unique 1.5-2lb. pumpkin that is great for painting and carving. This easy to grow variety has good disease resistance and will tolerate a fall frost. 105 days to maturity.
• Baby Pam is an excellent yielding small pumpkin, producing uniform 5” fruits with a deep orange color and long sturdy stems. 100 days to maturity.

Pie Pumpkins

• The Neck Pumpkin is actually a squash related to butternut but is known for its use in pumpkin pies. The fruit is 18”-24” in length with a bulb shaped base. The pale orange flesh is thick, solid, dry, and sweet. 120 days to maturity.
• Sugar or Pie is known to be one of the finest pie pumpkins, and as an heirloom has been enjoyed for over 100 years. The bright orange 10-12” fruits are filled with deep orange flesh that is thick and sweet. 100 days to maturity.

Giant Prize Pumpkins

• Atlantic Giant is extremely well-known as its huge fruits have attained weights up to 400 pounds! Extremely impressive on display and for harvest shows, this is a great variety to challenge yourself to grow a giant pumpkin! 120 days to maturity
• First Prize is another large, exhibition type pumpkin that can range from 80-300 pounds when mature. Fruits have a deep, round shape and are reddish orange in color. 120 days to maturity.

Happy growing! If you have any questions regarding growing pumpkins or what variety is best for you, please give us a call at 717-299-2571 or email info@rohrerseeds.com!