Pumpkin?

[Adenn1]

I was able to get a bit more ground (9x4') for a little garden for my 3 year old son. I know he would love to grow his own pumpkin(s) for Halloween...but is there a variety that would have short vines and would work in this space?

Thanks for your help.

[mresseguie]

Mark,

I know of a couple, but I need to double-check their names. I'll get back to you.

Michael

I found this one:

"Sorcerer Pumpkin" Hybrid, 2002 AAS winner.... Deep orange medium sized pumpkins average 15-25 pounds. Round 12 x14” fruits are heavily ribbed with a strong handle. Semi-vining habit for controlled growth. A traditional pumpkin producing good yields for fall decorating and Jack O’lanterns. Hybrid. 90 - 100 days. www.nicholsnurserygarden.com

I know there's another......digging........

[cdntomato]

You might want to look at Cheyenne Bush Pumpkin. One Source is the public SSE catalogue.

Jennifer

[flowerpower]

Oh, he's just a little guy. Plant him something he can carry. There are Jack Be Little & Baby Boo mini pumpkins. Also New England Sugar (Pie) Pumpkin are pretty small, 5-7 lbs. Those are the ones you see for sale in the fall for about a dollar or so marked ''Pie" Pumpkin.

You can also plant some sunflowers in the plot with the pumps. Maybe get some runner beans to climb up the flowers. Sort of like the "3 Sisters".

[Adenn1]

Thank you all for your help...I did find Cheyenne Bush at Heirloomseeds and will look into the other suggestions. My little buddy is anxious to start planting seeds...but we need some warmer weather...ground still frozen below 1/2-1".

I love his enthusiasm...

[feldon30]

I concur with the suggestions on pie pumpkins if he likes pumpkin pie. I suppose if you really wanted you could carve one.

[montanamato]

My children planted Baby Bear last year and they were prolific...Probably 24 small pumpkins from 3 vines...We cooked and decorated and still have one left that is in perfect shape...

Jeanne

[Spatzbear]

Golden Nugget is prolific and produces a fair-sized pumpkin for all purposes. Pretty quick, too.

[caascher2]

As far as growing pumpkins, is there anything that should be done as they grow so they don't rot? Place them on something etc? I want to try growing some this year, and have heard you have to "cure" them? Anything I need to know in doing this?
Thanks,
Carol

[flowerpower]

You cure them in the fall. After they are picked, you leave them in the sun for a few days. They harden up a bit and store longer. You do this for all winter squash.

I use rocks under the fruits if I need to. We have an unlimited supply here.

[Adenn1]

My Cheyenne bush pumpkin is going crazy...and I believe I started the seed too early...started a couple at the end of March and they have taken off in the greenhouse. I may have to start some new ones or direct seed.