Pumpking - Connecticut

SKU:
CA$3.50
3.5 9 CA$3.50 - CA$9.00
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per item
Approximately 3-5 seeds per gram
Cucurbita maxima
Lot# PU31518
Connecticut Field Pumpkin is a Native American heirloom variety that has a history predating 1700.  It produces nice yields of 9 kg (15-25 lb) pumpkins. These large sized 25-30 cm (10-12”) high and 25-30 cm (10-12”) wide globe shaped pumpkins are a deep, yellow orange with a flat bottom making them an ideal choice for carving.  The rind is tough but thin and slightly ribbed. The flesh is sweet, thick and course.
Planting Instructions:
  • Start indoors from 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: 1.5-2.5 m (5-8’) between the plants.  If you have more space, you can increase distance from plants. Pumpkin plants prefer sunny locations and very rich soil. 
  • Soil Conditions:  Well worked rich, loose well-drained soil. Ideal pH: 6.0-6.8. 
  • Planting Depth:  Sow Pumpkin seeds 2-3 cm (1”) deep.
  • Germination:  6-14 days.
  • Height at Maturity: 30-45cm (12-18") tall.  Spread: 1.2m (4’).  The vines can grow to 6.1-9.1m (20-30’) long.
  • Days to Maturity:   110-120 days for maturity.  
  • Watering:    An inch of water a week ensures good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single or wide rows. The amount of rain that falls during the week affects how much you should water your garden.  Connecticut Field 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 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 every hill every 1.2m (4’).  Rows should be planted 1.5-2.5m (5-8’) apart.
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 and squash at about 10°C (50°F). Pumpkins, when handled and stored properly can be kept for a long time.  Connecticut Field Pumpkins require a lot of water. 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.