Growing Non-GMO Jack O Lantern Pumpkin Vegetable Seeds
How to Grow Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin from Seed
Pumpkin is a full sun winter squash that thrives in the heat, trailing and vining just like a gourd or cucumber. Pumpkins are able to be sown directly after final spring frost but, for earliest starts, begin indoors 3-4 weeks prior. Plant 2-3 seeds 1 inch deep per cell or, for direct sowing, plant atop 8-10 inch tall mounds every 5-6 ft to accommodate long, heavy trailing vines.
Germinates in 4-10 days and transplant to composted, well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Fertilize plants every 3 weeks and harvest pumpkins before the autumn frost. As pumpkins begin to show on the vine, pinch off vines and flowers to inhibit vegetative growth, directing energy to producing largest, healthiest pumpkins. Regardless of color or size, pumpkin is ripe once stem is solid and rind is tough, unable to be pierced by a fingernail.
Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin in the Vegetable Garden
Pumpkin is a full sun winter squash that thrives in the heat, trailing and vining just like a gourd or cucumber. And like any other winter squash, pumpkin features a wide variety of colors and sizes for both ornamental and culinary use. Pumpkins are able to grow multiple on the vine but, for largest and most decorative squash, plants can be pruned to force enormous, even competition size pumpkins just in time for autumn fun.
Plant pumpkin seeds one inch below the soil. Make sure that pumpkins have plenty of room to grow. Jack O' Lantern Pumpkin has large vines, and really needs good circulation. Pumpkin will have an oblong shape with ribbing. Jack O' Lantern Pumpkins is the perfect pumpkin to sell at a farm stand with an exceptionally thick handle.
Harvesting Jack O Lantern Pumpkin
Most small to medium pumpkins are ready to harvest 90-100 days from sowing while larger varieties require an extra few weeks. Regardless of color or size, pumpkins are generally ripe once the stem is solid and rind is tough, unable to be pierced by a fingernail. Clip pumpkins from the vine with shears leaving about 4" of stem intact and, once harvested, leave out to naturally cure in the sun for 10-14 days. The curing process will help pumpkins last up to 3 months longer after harvesting.
About Jack O Lantern Pumpkin Seeds
C.pepo. (110 days) This is a pumpkin with lots of great uses. Jack O'Lantern makes a fantastic carving pumpkin for Halloween of course.
This pumpkin is also divine in soups, pies, muffins, casseroles, and many other healthy dishes.
Pumpkins are 8" x 10", round to oblong fruits that weigh around 10 lbs. each. The rind is a ribbed bright orange with orange-yellow and thick flesh.
Heirloom Jack O' Lantern Pumpkin are used primarily for carving, but can be delicious as well. The pumpkin creates a perfect canvas for carving the perfect face for your Halloween decorations. Use the flesh when you are done for soups, baking, and treats. It's many uses mean that you will get a lot out of your garden goods.
