Overview:
Jack O Lantern pumpkins have thick skin, and are just the right size for carving. They also make a great pie! This variety is ready in about 100 days and weigh between 8-15 pounds.
Growing Instructions:
Sowing: Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their seeds indoors a month before the last expected frost. Pumpkins do not do well with transplanting, peat pots are the best option. Plant two seeds per peat pots and clip off the weaker seedling. Harden the seedlings one week before planting outside by exposing them to the weather for several hours. When the soil temperature reaches about 60°F, plant seedlings in very rich soil (pH 6.0-7.0) 8-10′ apart in rows 10-12′ apart. For companion planting, plant seeds with corn.
Germination: 7–10 days at 70–85°F.
Care: Since pumpkins seedlings cannot tolerate frost, provide protective coverings if cold weather threatens. Keep soil moist at all times, but avoid getting the leaves wet as it can introduce disease. When vines begin to develop, a layer of mulch will help conserve moisture and control weeds; mulch will also protect the pumpkins from soil contact and keep them clean. About midsummer pinch off all the blooms to focus the plants energy on developing the pumpkins.
Harvest: 90–110 days. Pick when fully orange and rind is hard.
