Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkin

Keep the soil moist at all times, but avoid getting the leaves wet as this can cause diseases such as rot or mildew. When the vines begin to develop, a layer of mulch will help conserve moisture and control weeds; mulch also will keep the pumpkins clean and protect them from too much soil contact. By midsummer, pinch off all the blooms to concentrate the plant’s energy on the developing pumpkins.

Harvesting: Pumpkins can be harvested as soon as the stem begins to dry and the skin becomes too hard to pierce with a fingernail. Because cold weather can damage pumpkins, they should be harvested before the first frost. Cut the stem with a sharp knife, leaving a 2-3″ length.” Do not carry the pumpkin by the stem; if the stem breaks off, use it as soon as possible, since this causes the pumpkin to deteriorate quickly. Cure the pumpkins in the sun or a dry location until the stem shrivels; do not wash pumpkins you intend to store. If kept in a 45-50 degrees F location with moderate humidity, most pumpkins will last for up to 5 months. As the name indicates, Jack O Lantern pumpkins perform best for carving.

• Light-Full Sun
• Matures-At least 100 days after planting
• Fruit Size-7 to 10 Pounds
• Plant Spacing-60 to 6 inches apart