Pumpkin - Jack 'O Lantern

Jack O' Lantern Pumpkins are a harvest season tradition—their classic rounded form, deep ribs, and rich orange skin make them the quintessential Halloween decoration, but they're equally wonderful for hearty soups, roasted seeds, and autumn cooking. Watching these impressive fruits develop from delicate yellow flowers is one of the most satisfying experiences in the vegetable garden, and a single planting provides more than enough pumpkins for the whole family and the neighbors too.

Growing Instructions: Direct sow after last frost when soil has warmed to 70°F, or start indoors 2–3 weeks before transplanting. Give plants generous space—vines spread 6–10 feet. For the best size and quality, limit each plant to 3–4 developing fruits. Water deeply but infrequently at the base, avoiding wet foliage.

• Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo
• Plant Type: Annual
• Planting Time: After last frost; soil 70°F+
• Planting Depth: 1–2 inches
• Spacing: 4–6 feet apart; 3 seeds per hill, thin to 2
• Days to Germination: 7–14 days
• Days to Harvest: 90–100 days
• Mature Size: 15–25 lbs; classic round shape
• Light Needs: Full sun (8+ hours)
• Water Needs: Moderate to high — deep, infrequent watering at the base
• Difficulty: Easy to moderate (needs ample space)
• Seed Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated