1# JACK-O-LANTERN PUMPKIN SEED

Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin Seed (Cucurbita pepo) is a popular field pumpkin variety bred specifically for carving, with the classic shape, color, and size people expect for Halloween.

🎃 Variety Overview

• Type: Carving / field pumpkin

• Fruit Size: 15–25 lb (uniform)

• Shape: Round to slightly flattened, smooth to lightly ribbed

• Color: Bright orange

• Days to Maturity: ~100–110 days

• Vines: Vigorous, 10–15+ feet

• Use: Jack‑o’‑lanterns, fall décor, limited cooking

✅ Why Grow Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkins

• Classic Halloween pumpkin look

• Uniform sizing—great for carving

• Thick shells hold carved designs well

• Reliable yields for home gardens

• Easy to grow and widely adapted

This is the go‑to pumpkin for trick‑or‑treat season.

🌤️ Growing Conditions

• Season: Warm‑season crop

• Sun: Full sun (8+ hours)

• Soil: Rich, well‑drained soil with organic matter

• Soil pH: 6.0–6.8

• Frost Sensitive: Yes

🌱 Planting Instructions

• When to Plant:

  • After last frost, once soil reaches 65°F

• How to Plant:

  • Depth: 1 inch

  • Spacing: 4–6 feet between plants

  • Rows: 8–10 feet apart

🌱 Tip: Plant in compost‑enriched hills for best growth and drainage.

💧 Care & Feeding

• Water deeply and consistently, especially during fruit development

• Mulch to conserve moisture and reduce weeds

• Use balanced fertilizer early; reduce nitrogen after fruit set

• Place pumpkins on straw or cardboard to prevent ground rot

🎃 Harvesting

• Harvest before hard frost when rind is fully orange and hard

• Cut with 3–4 inches of stem attached

• Cure in a warm, dry place for 10–14 days to extend storage

🍴 Eating Quality

• Edible, but not ideal for pies

• Flesh is lighter and stringier than baking pumpkins

• Better suited for carving, roasting seeds, or décor

🌿 Companion Plants

• Corn

• Beans

• Nasturtiums

(Avoid potatoes.)