Pumpkin plot of ground , warm PIE , and jack - o'-lanterns — few thing entrance the essence of fall like the iconic Howden pumpkin .
Whether you ’re an experienced gardener looking to branch out your harvest or a initiate eager to dig into the humanity of pumpkin polish , you ’ve get to the right-hand place .
This guide will take the air you step - by - step through the rewarding physical process of grow your very own Howden pumpkins .
What is a Howden Pumpkin?
Odds are , you ’re already conversant with Howden pumpkin vine . They are the classic “ Halloween ” pumpkin carved into jack - group O - lantern and displayed on porches .
Also known as the “ Connecticut field Cucurbita pepo , ” this sensitive to large size pumpkin was developed from seed that originate in Connecticut .
In the other 1960s , John Howdenof Sheffield , Massachusettes carefully cultivate the seed to produce numerous and uniform fruit . The upshot is the popular pumpkin we make out and love today .
Howden pumpkins are a member of theCucurbita pepofamily and are anheirloom varietydating back to pre - Columbian times .
“ The New England pie pumpkin , ” or “ minor lettuce pumpkin , ” is a subtype of the Howden pumpkin that is better suited for preparation .
Howden pumpkins are normally round with a deep orange chromaticity , making them perfect for Jack - o - lanterns .
A smooth skin , symmetrical proportions , and a duncical handle all lend to the traditional “ Halloween ” look of the Howden autumn pumpkin .
They produce high yields of 15 - 25 pound Cucurbita pepo that are as easy to carve as they are pleasant to look at .
pumpkin vine come in all configuration and size , but a Howden pumpkin is generally pear-shaped and harmonious or slightly oblong and egg - shape .
Growing Howden Pumpkins
Cucurbita pepo can be expensive , particularly an heirloom variety such as the Howden pumpkin . This lead many to the decision to grow their own .
Fortunately , they are fairly easy to grow in much of the northeast United States . They do n’t tolerate cold well and will dobestin more humid conditions .
Like most pumpkins , Howden pumpkins prefer heat so you should direct to implant when temperature have warm up the grime to atleast 65 degrees .
Howden “How-To” Step by Step
Here ’s how to plant your very own Howden pumpkin .
Step #1 Prepare
The power to grow your own Howden pumpkins calculate on how much way you have in your backyard . So the first affair you must do is assess your planting fix .
The Howden variety is a traditional vining pumpkin and needsample roomto grow ( anywhere from 50 to 100 foot ) .
Choose a spacious area that get pile of full Dominicus with well - drained , nourishing - rich dirt .
Make certain thesoil ’s pH is cheeseparing to 6.5because , like most pumpkin and squash , Howden pumpkins uprise best at this tier .
Prior to planting , merge either homemade or store - bought compost or aged manure into the soil .
Howden pumpkins , like all squelch , aregreedy feedersand penury lots of alimentary - dense filth to grow .
Howden autumn pumpkin plant can be begin indoors and afterward transferred to an outdoor location .
Step #2 Plant
Although pumpkin vine plantscan be started in containers , they incline to dobestwhen plant directly into the soil . Preparemounds of soil 50 to 100 square feet per hill and space hills 5 - 6 feet apart .
Plant 4 - 5 seeds one inch deep in each hill with 10 - 15 feet of distance between pitcher .
Howden pumpkins are a vining pumpkin and call for plenty of room to straggle .
Because they are a smaller variety of pumpkin , they can betrellisedif you ’re shortsighted on space .
Expect anywhere from 2 - 5 pumpkins per plant life , so contrive consequently .
Step #3 Care
Howden pumpkins necessitate unconstipated lachrymation and feast to grow vines and produce robust fruit .
Be certain to irrigate at arate of 1 to ½ inches each weekand do n’t let the ground dry out out .
Once the new plants have make , select a provender high in morning star and feed at steady intervals .
Weed oft to dissuade plague and add mulch to help hold in moisture .
The comportment of yellow blooms is a differentiate - tale sign that a tiny pumpkin vine will soon be on its way .
Keep an middle out foryellow blooms . They should appear about 10 weeks after planting and a week after that , you should start seeing the first pumpkins appear .
From there , it occupy a Howden Cucurbita pepo about 45 - 55 day to reachmaturity , or , “ sea dog - o - lantern size . ”
As Howden autumn pumpkin arise , you canturn themto encourage a more symmetrical embodiment .
Setting grow fruit on plastic tarpaulin , old tiles , or scraps of wood will serve forestall rot from developing .
Step #4 Harvest
Harvest time is the most exciting part about growing Howden pumpkins .
Howden pumpkins areready to be pickedwhen they are deep orangish in color and the beleaguer stems and vine have dry up and turned brown .
When used for grace purpose , remember thatthe stemis what feed a Howden autumn pumpkin its role .
Be sure to use a sharp knife when cut the stem and always carry by the groundwork to avoid breaking the stalk .
How to Use Howden Pumpkins
While all pumpkins are edible , some are better than others for baking and flavoring our favorite fall treats .
pumpkin vine in general flow undertwo category - pie pumpkin and field pumpkins .
Not surprisingly , Proto-Indo European pumpkins are well accommodate for run through . The latter is good for embellish or chip at into jack - o - lanterns .
So you could still make with a Howden Cucurbita pepo , but it might not taste as salutary as some other varieties .
There ’s a far better enjoyment for these orangish beauties . These large , ornamental pumpkins make exceptional Jack-tar - o - lanterns .
But they ’re not just for Halloween and carving themisn’t the only decorating choice .
With their clean smooth surface and consistently round symmetrical form , they can easily be painted and adorned with crafting materials .
Or , consider will them bare as their natural , deep orange coloring will make these pumpkin down in any autumnal display .
Where to Buy Seeds
If you ’re looking to grow your own Howden autumn pumpkin , you could easy order germ online .
Howdens Field Pumpkin Seeds
If you ’re in the grocery for an organic option , you ca n’t go wrong with these seeds .
Marde Ross & Company has been a licence California nursery since 1985 and fuck how important have quality Howden pumpkin vine seeds are for an enviable jack - oxygen - lantern !
Check out this Howden field pumpkin seeds on Amazon .
Organic Howden Pumpkin Seeds
Another constitutional option , these seeds are Non - GMO and grown in the USA .
With close to 30 seed per packet , these Howden pumpkin seeds are a groovy value !
try out this organic heirloom Howden autumn pumpkin seeds from Amazon .
Non-GMO Premium Howden Pumpkin Seeds
Isla ’s Garden guarantees 85 % sprouting rates so you ’re sure to get your money ’s deserving with these seed .
They ’re a premium heirloom multifariousness that anticipate the double-dyed pumpkin vine !
Get your Non - GMO premium Howden pumpkin seed from Amazon .
This Autumn, “Fall” for the Classic Howden Pumpkin
The Howden pumpkin is an autumn tradition for honorable intellect .
It ’s the pleasantly round , classic Orange River Cucurbita pepo we connect with the falling folio and Halloween gob - o - lantern .
For more pumpkin maturate tips , study here :
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Are you on Pinterest ? Here ’s a expectant image you could use to pin this article . facilitate us partake in the love for growing Howden pumpkins !
