Knuckle Head (F1) Pumpkin Seed

Scientific name

Cucurbita pepo

Soil and culture

Pumpkins want fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8–6.8. Plastic mulch and lightweight fabric row cover (AG-19 weight) help young plants establish and keep insects off seedlings. Take the cover off when flowering begins so pollinators can reach the blooms; poorly formed fruit is often a sign of weak pollination. Time sowings so the crop ripens for fall sales. Leaving mature fruit in strong sun after the leaves die back dulls the color of both fruit and handle.

Days to maturity

Counted from direct sowing; subtract about 14 days for transplants.

Transplanting

About 3 weeks before planting out, sow 2–3 seeds per 2" pot or plug cell and germinate at 75–95°F (24–35°C). Snip the extras with scissors to leave one seedling per cell. Harden plants off for 4–7 days and set them out once frost danger has passed, disturbing the roots as little as possible.

Direct seeding

Sow in late spring after frost danger, once the soil is at least 70°F (21°C). Plant 2 seeds per station, 1/2–1" deep, spacing stations to suit the vine length, and thin to the strongest seedling once they are established.

Seeding rate

At 2 seeds per foot in rows 6' apart: about 250 seeds per 125', 500 per 250', 1,000 per 500' and 15,000 per acre.

Plant spacing

Between rows, allow 4–5' for bush types, about 6' for short vines and up to 12' for long vines. In the row, space small-fruited types 18–24", medium 24–36" and large to extra-large 36–72". Follow the spacing given for each variety.

Insect pests

Cucumber beetles, squash bugs and squash vine borers are the usual cucurbit pests. Protect young plants with floating row cover. Crush squash bug egg clusters on the undersides of leaves. Slit vines to remove borers, then mound soil over the wound so the vine re-roots. Keep field edges mowed, clear away plant debris in fall and plow in spring to bury overwintering pupae. Butternut-type squash (C. moschata) is less troubled by borers. Pyrethrin sprays can give some control.

Disease

Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt and Phytophthora are the main cucurbit diseases. Good drainage, airflow, insect control and crop rotation prevent most problems; your local Cooperative Extension office can advise on specific controls.

Harvest

Fruit tolerates one or two light frosts, but temperatures below 28°F (-2°C) cause damage. Harvest once the color has fully developed, cutting the handle close to the vine. Never carry pumpkins by the handle, and avoid nicking the rind. Cure them in the field in the sun for 5–7 days, or indoors at 80–85°F (27–29°C) with good airflow. White and black pumpkins scald easily, so move them out of direct sun as the leaves die back and cure them indoors.

Storage

Store at 50–60°F (10–15°C) with 50–70% relative humidity and good ventilation.

Packet

30 seeds.

Seeds per lb.

About 4,100 on average.