Cucurbita pepo

HISTORY
One of the oldest pumpkins in existence, gifted by Native American people before 1700. The standard for jack-o'-lanterns with thick orange skin and bright yellow flesh.

HABIT
Large fruit, 10 to 15 inches in diameter, weighing up to 25 pounds. Large plants require plenty of space. When mature, cut from vines with pruning shears, leaving 3 inches of stem.

CULTURE
Plant seed outdoors in late spring after the ground has warmed and frost danger has passed. Traditionally planted in “hills” (small circular groups of seeds), but can also be planted in rows or among corn. Cover seed with 1/2 inch of fine soil, well pressed down. Germinates in 7 to 14 days depending on weather. Matures in 100 days.