Gardens
Fun Pumpkin Varieties | Pumpkin Picking Tips
Tips to help you choose the perfect pumpkin this fall, plus 5 fun pumpkin varieties to try.
By Shelley Wigglesworth|Sep 16 2016|
Fun Pumpkin Varieties | Pumpkin Picking Tips
Photo Credit: Pixabay
Photo Credit : Pixabay
PUMPKIN PICKING TIPS
Look for a pumpkin that is uniform in color without large portions of green. Pumpkin skin should be firm, not mushy, and free of cracks and holes. Inspect the pumpkin for soft spots — if the pumpkin has any, it is an indication that it is beginning to decay, so choose another one. Avoid pumpkins with any signs of mold, insect, or animal damage. If you are choosing a growing pumpkin from a patch, cut the vine on either side of the stem to free it before cutting the stem to size. Do not carry pumpkins by the stem. Stems can break off easily and leave pumpkins vulnerable to decay. Instead, lift the pumpkin from the bottom.
Photo Credit : Pixabay
5 FUN PUMPKIN VARIETIES
In addition to Jack-o’-Lantern or carving pumpkins (the traditional, porch pumpkin that comes in all sizes and can get quite large if left to grow) there are a multitude of other pumpkin varieties to choose from. Here are 5 fun pumpkin varieties to try this fall: Cinderella Pumpkins Named for their resemblance to the pumpkin that Cinderella’s fairy godmother transformed into a carriage, not only are these pumpkins beautiful, they are delicious as well and great to use in pies and winter squash dishes. Sugar Pumpkins These are typically small (about 2-8 pounds) and are easy to handle and cut. They are known for their sweet fruit and are a favorite for use in baking. Porcelain Doll Pumpkins These pumpkins have an unusual glazed look similar to porcelain with a rosy pinkish tint to the flesh. They are medium in size with bright orange fruit inside, and are a great squash for both cooking and decorating. Lumina or “Ghost” Pumpkins These all white squashes with smooth flesh make carving easy and painting a breeze. A very suitable pumpkin for crafts. Miniature Pumpkins, also known as Jack-Be Littles are tiny pumpkins that grow no larger than 1 pound. They can be grown or purchased with gourds and are fun displayed on desks, around the home, and on tables for the autumn season.
I love pumpkins! They are my symbol of Autumn. (Halloween and Thanksgiving) There are more varieties than I realized. Thank you for this informative and interesting article. I’m on the search to find the perfect pumpkin that my 9 month old grandson Landon can fit into for “Our little Pumpkin” photo.
Have loved pumpkins all my life. They ARE Fall to me – my favorite time of year. I knew about miniatures and sugar pumpkins, but not the others. Great little article. In fact, I’m loving ALL the interesting pieces I’ve been finding on ‘New England Today.’ Please keep up the great work!