DESCRIPTION
Growing Heirloom Spookie Pumpkin Vegetable Garden Seeds
Spookie Heirloom Pumpkin Seed Growth Habits:
The vines of the Spookie heirloom pumpkin variety support small ornamental or culinary pumpkins weighing between 6 and 10 lbs. and measuring 6" to 7" tall and 5" to 6" wide.
Pumpkins tend to be heavy feeders, so you may want to amend the site with compost during the fall before you plan to plant the seeds. In the spring and early summer, you should direct sow the Spookie pumpkin seeds in soil that is at least 65 degrees F. As pumpkins are very sensitive to frost, it can make sense to wait until about 2 weeks after your last frost date to plant the seeds.
Plan to give the Spookie Pumpkin plants plenty of water, but be sure the planting site is well-draining to prevent disease.
Various Uses for Spookie Pumpkins and Pumpkin Seeds:
Spookie pumpkins are a dual-purpose type of pumpkin, in that that can be used for both culinary purposes, such as pie filling, and ornamental purposes, such as fall decorating and jack-o-lantern carving.
The seeds of Spookie pumpkins can be roasted and eaten as a snack.
Spookie Pumpkin and Pumpkin Seed Benefits:
Pumpkin flesh contains significant amounts of vitamin A and other vitamins and minerals, plus it has important antioxidants, including beta-carotene.
Pumpkin seeds, also called pepitas, are high in antioxidants, healthy fats, and essential minerals, including magnesium.
Additional Information:
It's best to avoid planting pumpkins in locations where pumpkins have previously been grown in the past 3 years. Crop rotation can help reduce the risk of certain diseases.
ATTRIBUTES
Basic Info
Latin Name: |
Cucurbita pepo |
Other Names: |
Pie Pumpkins, Ornamental Pumpkins |
Color: |
Green foliage; orange flesh |
Flavor: |
Pumpkin |
Growing Info
Days to Maturity: |
90-110 days |
Hardiness Zone: |
Annual, not intended for overwintering; suitable for all USDA hardiness zones |
Planting Depth: |
1 Inch |
Plant Spacing: |
6-12 Inches |
Row Spacing: |
6-10" |
Growth Habit: |
Vining; fruit weighing 6 to 10 lbs. |
Soil Preference: |
Very fertile, well-draining, moist soil; 5.8 to 6.8 pH level |
Temp Preference: |
Warm; sensitive to frost; requires 65- to 95-degree F soil for germination |
Light Preference: |
Full sun, at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day |
Other
Pests/diseases: |
Aphids, squash bugs, spider mites, squash vine borer, striped cucumber beetles, powdery mildew, bacterial wilt, scab, downy mildew |