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Pumpkin - Jack O Lantern

SKU: PU31515A
CA$3.90
CA$3.90
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per item
Approximately 5-12 seeds per gram.
Cucurbita maxima
Lot# PU31515​
Jack O Lantern Pumpkins are considered the traditional pumpkin for Halloween carving.  They can easily weigh 4-7 kg (9-16lbs) each and be 20-25cm (8-10”) around.  They are oblong shaped and tend to stand well on their slightly flattened bottoms. Jack O Lantern Pumpkins are slightly ribbed and bright orange when mature. The flesh is thick, orange to yellow and is fined grained.
Planting Instructions:
  • Start indoors from mid-late April, or direct sow outside in May, when the last chance of frost has passed in your area. Sow the seeds 2-3 cm (1”) deep, and maintain temperature around 18°C (65°F). The soil temperature should be around 15°C (60°F). Sow 2-3 seeds per hill, or in small pots, and keep the strongest seedling. Germination takes about 7-14 days, depending on the soil temperature.  Transplant the plants into bigger pots when large enough to handle and keep them inside the greenhouse.  Gradually acclimatize the plants before planting outside. Space hills or transplants 3-5m (12-15’) apart.  If you have more space you can increase the distance between the plants. Pumpkin plants prefer sunny locations and very rich soil.
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked, rich, loose, well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.5-6.8.
  • Planting Depth:  Sow Pumpkin seeds 2-3 cm (1”) deep.
  • Germination:  6-14 days.
  • Height at Maturity: 30-45cm (12-18") tall.  Spread: 3-5m (12-15’).  The vines can grow to 2-3.5m (’) long.
  • Days to Maturity:   110-140 days for maturity.  
  • Watering:   Jack O Lantern Pumpkins require a moderate amount of water.  An inch of water a week ensures good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single or wide rows.  Keep soil moist but not saturated. The amount of rain that falls during the week affects how much you should water your garden. The trick is to only water pumpkins when they require it. Check the soil moisture levels with a trowel or a hoe and as long as you can see the moisture and your plant looks happy, you do not need to water. When the soil is starting to dry out, or the plant starts to look a bit droopy, give it a long, deep drink.  Deep watering is best and infrequent watering results in a healthier plant.  It is important to not get water on any of the leaves.  Use drip irrigation if available, and water in the morning instead of late in the evening.  This simple technique will help prevent fungal diseases like powdery mildew.
  • Sun/Shade:  Full Sun    
  • Spacing after Thinning:   Thinning is generally not required for 2-3 plants per hill, but you can thin to the strongest plant in every hill every 3-5m (12-15’).  Rows should be planted 3-5m (12-15’) apart just to give enough room to negotiate through the ‘pumpkin patch’, if you have the room.
Additional Information:
Open pollinated-untreated seeds.  After 3-5 fruits are formed, the growing tips can be pinched out to encourage fruit development, ripening on the vine, and allow the pumpkins to mature outside. This will increase storage potential. Store the pumpkins at about 10°C (50°F). Pumpkins, when handled and stored properly can be kept for a long time.  Pumpkins require a lot of water.  The trick is to only water pumpkins when they require it. Check the soil moisture levels with a trowel or a hoe and as long as you can see the moisture and your plant looks happy, you do not need to water. When the soil is starting to dry out, or the plant starts to look a bit droopy, give it a long deep drink.  Deep watering is best and infrequent watering results in a healthier plant.  It is important to not get water on any of the leaves.  Use drip irrigation if available, and water in the morning instead of late in the evening.  This simple technique will help prevent fungal diseases. When your pumpkins begin to change their color to orange, gradually decrease the amount of water. Your pumpkins will store longer if you cut off water 7-10 days before you harvest.