Varieties of Pumpkins and Jack -O-Lanterns
We all love pumpkins. There are hundreds literally hundreds of varieties
to choose from. Through eons of time, these notorious cross breeders, have
produced a remarkable selection to choose from. Pumpkins are members of the
Cucurbita family. To help you to select the perfect pumpkin seeds to grow,
we have broken them down into five types of pumpkins.
Did you Know? A pumpkin is a pumpkin, until it is carved. Then, it
is a Jack O'Lantern.
Pumpkin
Carving
Varieties:
Miniature pumpkins- These cute little guys fit in the palm of your
hand. They are great for Fall decorating. Miniature pumpkins are classified
as gourds. There are also recipes for cooking with these tiny pumpkins. Members
include:
Field Pumpkins, or Jack O'Lanterns (Cucurbita Pepo)- This group includes
a huge number of varieties of pumpkins. Varieties of field pumpkins include:
-
Connecticut Field
-
Jack O'Lantern - Simply named, this is the common pumpkin
grown for carving. The shell is bright orange, and ribbed.
-
Howden- It makes a good carving pumpkin. Big stem.
-
Howden Biggie - Big pumpkin, thick stem.
-
Spooktacular - Small fruits, good for little tykes. At about 85 days, they
are ready to harvest earlier than others.
-
Casper - Uniquely off-white color. Flesh is very hard. Add one to your Halloween
display, and watch passersby stop to get a look.
-
Rouge D'Etant - This small sized, with an attractive, reddish-orange
color.
-
Australian Blue (Jalhrude) - Here's a unique conversation piece pumpkin.
This pumpkin is deeply ribbed and greenish blue.
Giant Pumpkins (Cucurbita Maxima)- Giant pumpkin growing has become
a very popular hobby. Giant pumpkin growers are among the most devoted, and
perhaps fanatical of all gardeners. Popular giant pumpkin varieties include:
-
Dill's Atlantic Giant pumpkins - Grow Atlantic giant pumpkin seeds for record
breaking fruit. Pale orange, fruit, rarely round.
More on Giant
Pumpkins
-
Big Max pumpkins - Big, orange-red fruit.
See
the world record giant pumpkin - it's over 1,800 pounds!
How to Grow Giant Pumpkins
Cooking Varieties - All pumpkins are edible. Some types of pumpkins
are better for baking and cooking than others. The cooking varieties have
a sweeter taste and smoother texture. They include:
-
Amish Pie Pumpkin - This is a popular and tasty heirloom, great for baking
pies and other recipes.
-
Fairytale pumpkins -This heirloom pumpkin is perfect for baking. Bright orange
fruit have a unique, deeply ribbed shape.
-
Sugar Pie - Very popular for baking and cooking. As it's name implies, it's
pulp is sweet.
Cucurbita Moschata-- This group of primarily squash includes the pumpkins
frequently used for commercially canned pumpkins. Commercial pumpkin varieties
usually have a tan-colored skin.
Buy Pumpkin seeds for planting
Pumpkin Recipes:
May we suggest:
More Information:
Pumpkin Nook is the internet authority
on pumpkins. From how to grow, to recipes and history, it's all there.
Carving - After you've grown 'em,
it's time to decorate and carve 'em.
How
to Grow Big Pumpkins -and small ones, too.
Pumpkin On a Stick!? Perhaps.......
Pumpkin Trivia
Buy Pumpkin Seeds - big and small seeds, giant seeds,
too.
Buy Vegetable Seeds Finest quality Ferry Morse Seed,
America's oldest seed company with their famous "guarantee to grow".
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