Flat ribbed fruits weighing around 125g, with a diameter of around 10-12cm; popular for flower arrangements and table decorations. Also popular for culinary use.
SOW: March through May in a heated greenhouse or indoors. In warmer parts of the country can be sown directly outside in May/June.
HARVEST: August through October
WHERE TO SOW:
Start them off in early spring in a heated greenhouse. Sow the seeds on their sides at a depth of 1cm, in trays of high quality seed compost or in small pots.
Germination of pumpkin seeds is about 2 weeks and require temperatures above 20C. Soon afterwards the plants will require repotting in 15cm pots.
Harden off and plant out in May/early June. Leave 90cm between plants and once 3 to fruits have appeared its a good idea to pinch out the growing tips otherwise the plant can send out stems to up to 4m. To maximise fruit size you can limit fruits to just 2 or 3 per plant. Feed weekly with a liquid manure.
On the day of planting out its a good idea to mulch the surrounding ground in order to help retain moisture.
A final good tip is to place a tile or plate (upside down) beneath each fruit in order to avoid rot from contact with the ground.
