Pumpkin Varieties to Harvest for Halloween
Autumn's Jack O' Lantern Search Finds Ideas for Vegetable Gardens
Sep 25, 2008
The botanical name for pumpkin is Cucurbita. Here are pumpkin varieties to consider, some with odd shapes, unusual rind textures, or unexpected colors. Use a garden journal to record favorite pumpkins or new interesting varieties to plant next spring.
Decorating and Carving Pumpkins
Cucurbita pepo ‘Gooligan’ is a miniature pumpkin. Each white fruit will weigh approximately ¼ - 1 pound and measure 2 – 3 inches. It is a unique fruit for fall decorating, baking or roasting. This plant has a vigorous vine and will yield a lot of fruit.
Cucurbita ‘One Too Many’ has a creamy colored rind with pale red veins that will turn darker while in storage. It is said to have the look of a “bloodshot eye.” This pumpkin is for decorating and carving purposes. The plant yields fruit after 110 days.
Cucurbita ‘Lumina’ has white skin and orange flesh. A fruit will weigh approximately 10 – 12 lbs. This pumpkin is ideal for painting and carving.
Heirloom Pumpkin Varieties
Cucurbita ‘Rouge Vif d’ Etamps’ is a French heirloom cultivar, previously called ‘Cinderella.’ The red skinned, heavily ribbed and flat shaped pumpkin grows to 15 lbs. The moist orange flesh works well in pies and soups.
Cucurbita ‘Connecticut Field’ has a classic look. Each pumpkin will reach approximately 15 – 25 pounds and 12 – 20 inches in diameter. It represents the traditional Halloween pumpkin, as well as great for pies.
The Seed Saver Exchange is another resource for more heirloom vegetable varieties. It was started in 1975 and will mail a catalog to customers.
State Fair Competition Pumpkins
Cucurbita ‘Dill’s Atlantic Giant’ holds many world records. It is a trailing pumpkin plant and requires 120 days to yield fruit.
Cucurbita ‘Big Max’ fruit will weigh approximately 100 pounds and measure 70 inches in diameter. The huge round pumpkin has a pinkish orange rind. It is especially prized for competitions and pie making.
Baking Pumpkins
Cucurbita maximum ‘Dakota’ is a sugar pie type of pumpkin. The 7 – 8 lb. fruit has dark orange color on a smooth rind. The pumpkin vines spread 12 feet.
Cucurbita ‘Hooligan’ is a microwaveable miniature pumpkin. The brightly colored fruit has a sweet flavor and the plant has a trailing habit.
For microwaving, first slice off the top and scoop out seeds, replace the top and microwave for four minutes. Pumpkins are versatile fall vegetables because the fruit can be used for baking breads and pies, cooking soups and roasting the seeds.
Pumpkins should be harvested before the first frost occurs. They can be stored three to four months in a cool, but frost-free, place. Readers looking for more ideas will enjoy these pumpkins too.
Permission received for all photos used in this article.
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