To us the sight of bright orange (or white!) pumpkins on the plot really signifies that autumn is upon us. Each year we designate a large area of our trials to experimenting with different pumpkin varieties and, as they so fun to grow, they are often the subject of our staff growing competitions!
Growing Pumpkins from seed is really easy and can be extremely rewarding as plants are vigorous in growth, producing masses of fruits which have remarkable flavour. Pumpkins come in a whole array of shapes, sizes and colours which are perfect for adding interest to both the kitchen and your growing space. Once harvested pumpkins will store well and lend themselves well to roasting, adding to winter soups or baking the classic pumpkin pie.
If you’re planning to grow pumpkins to carve into Halloween lanterns look no further than customer favourite varieties Charmant F1 or Spitfire F1. Be sure to save any scooped-out flesh though as these varieties have great flavour too.
Pumpkin Blaze F1 is a recent introduction to the range and really is one of the most ornamental and high yielding varieties we have ever seen! Grow alongside small munchkin types such as Casperita F1 to create some real head turning autumnal displays. Read more
How to grow Pumpkins
Pumpkins do best in an open, sunny site, and on really fertile, moisture-retentive soil. They are frost-tender and in colder areas it is advisable to sow seed indoors in warmth rather than direct in the soil.
You can start seeds inside from as early as April ready to harden off and plant out in June. If space inside is tight you can sow directly outside from May but be sure to protect young sowings in colder spells of weather.
Pumpkins are thirsty and hungry plants. Prepare the growing location by digging in plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. Water freely and frequently throughout the season, especially during dry spells of weather. Once fruits start to swell, feed plants regularly with a liquid fertiliser containing good levels of potash. Fruits can be harvested from September onwards and store well if kept in a dry and cool place. Show less
