The carving king of the pumpkin patch!
If Halloween had a mascot, itād be the Howden pumpkin. With its deep orange skin, sturdy stems, and uniform shape, this variety was bred for carving perfection. But donāt let its spooky fame fool you, itās also delicious roasted or baked. A true fall favorite that brings both fun and flavor to your garden.
Variety:Ā Howden Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)
Growth Habit:Ā Warm-season annual with vigorous vines up to 15 feet
Height:Ā Sprawling vines
Flavor Profile:Ā Mildly sweet and edible
Color:Ā Deep orange skin with golden flesh
Planting Conditions:Ā Full sun and well-drained, fertile soil
Harvest Timeline:Ā 100ā110 days to maturity
Uses:Ā Ideal for carving, porch dĆ©cor, roasting, and baking
Fun Fact:Ā Developed in the 1970s specifically for carving, Howden pumpkins are the gold standard for jack-oā-lanterns!
Howden pumpkins are the go-to for Halloween magic. Their thick walls and sturdy handles make them perfect for carving spooky faces or whimsical designs. And when the carvingās done, donāt toss the flesh, roast it up for a cozy autumn meal. Whether on your porch or in your oven, Howden brings the season to life.
To Full Size
šĀ Choose a Sunny Spot:Ā Plant in full sun with rich, well-drained soil.
š±Ā Sow the Seeds:Ā Direct sow 1 inch deep, spacing hills 3ā5 feet apart.
š§Ā Water Regularly:Ā Keep soil evenly moist, especially during flowering and fruiting.
šæĀ Thin and Maintain:Ā Once seedlings emerge, thin to 2ā3 plants per hill.
āļøĀ Harvest:Ā Pick when the skin is hard and the color is a rich, deep orange.
