Connecticut Field Pumpkin

Connecticut Field Pumpkin

90 Days. This heirloom variety produces round, smooth orange pumpkins weighing 15-20 lbs. They have slightly ribbed exterior. Their flattened bottoms make them perfect for fall decorations because they stay in place better.

Disease Resistant: PM.

Open Pollinated. Non-GMO. Heirloom. Heat Tolerant. 

*Approximately 20 Seeds

Harvest: 90-120 Days

Germination: 7-14 Days

Seed Planting Depth: 1”

Start Indoors: 3-4 weeks before last frost date in peat or coco core pots.

Direct Sow: 2-3 weeks after last frost. Plants do not tolerate cold temperatures.

Light Requirement: Full sun

Soil Needs: Fertile, well-draining

Plant Height: 18-24”

Row Spacing: 5-7 ft

Plant Spacing: Hills 4-5 ft apart

Seed Spacing: 2-3 seeds per mound

Growing Instructions

To start seeds inside, plant 2-3 seeds 1” deep. Thin the seedlings to 1 per pot. Plants can be transplanted once they have developed at least four leaves. Wait to transplant the plants until daytime temperatures remain above 70˚F and nighttime temperatures remain above 65°F. Pumpkins are a warm season crop and do not tolerate cold temperatures. Harden off the plants before transplanting.

To start the seeds outside, plant them in raised mounds in a warm, sunny location with fertile, well-drained soil and a pH between 6.0-6.8. Leave plenty of space for the vines to sprawl. When the seedlings develop 3-4 leaves, thin them to the strongest plant per hill.

Mix 2-3 inches of compost and manure into the soil before planting seeds or transplants and a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Follow the manufactures instructions. Do not overfertilize the soil because too much nitrogen will result in lush vines with few flowers. When the plant begins to produce blooms, switch to a fertilizer that is higher in phosphorus and potassium to help produce flowers. Fertilize the plant every 2 weeks.

Keep the soil moist, not wet. Wet soil will cause the roots to rot. Drip irrigation or soaker hoses are recommended for watering. Overhead watering increases the risk of fungal diseases. If using overhead watering, water in the early morning so that the leaves have time to dry before cooler nighttime temperatures occur.

When pumpkins begin to grow, place a board, wood planks, or other material under them to raise them off the ground to prevent rotting. Harvest the pumpkins when the skin is firm, the color has fully developed, and the stem is dry. Cure the pumpkins for several days in a warm, dry place before storing them. Store them in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Place them in a single layer with space between them to avoid mold growth and rotting.