Pumpkins and Squash

The Seed Savers Exchange - Beautiful French pumpkin: introduced in the United States by W. Atlee Burpee in 1883; documented by Vilmorin the same year. Very flattened red-orange fruit with wide ribs, weighs up to 20 pounds. Favored by French chefs for rich soup stock. 95 days, (C. maxima) (aka Bright Red d'Etampes, Cinderella) Characteristics:  Cinderella Pumpkin 15-20 lb fruit Bright red-orange fruit  Flattened fruits with wide ribs  Fruits grow to 20 pounds  Winter squash 95 days  ~25 seeds per packet    Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Renee's Garden - Developed by dedicated pumpkin breeders Colen Wyatt and Doug Heath, especially for home gardeners, Wyatt’s Wonder is the most beautiful exhibition pumpkin you can find, topping out between 70 and 150 pounds. Unlike other “giant” varieties, which usually have disappointing, washed-out coloration, bumpy rough skin, and awkward shape, Wyatt’s Wonder is the Real Thing: gorgeous, globe-shaped, deeply lobed, deep-orange giants you’ll be proud to harvest. Truly the prize-winning variety for impressive size and beauty!  Characteristics:  Prize-winning, rich orange pumpkins  Impressive size & beauty  25 Seeds   Instructions - Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil, and warm temperatures. Plant only when the weather is warm and night temperatures stay above 50° (10°). Make slightly mounded hills 3 feet across and 6 feet apart. Plant 4 seeds per hill. Thin seedlings to leave only the strongest plants, 2 vines per hill. Plant where the vigorous vines can sprawl. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering them with berry baskets at sowing time, and removing them before plants get crowded. To concentrate energy into giant size pumpkins, pinch off all but one fruit on each vine at basketball size, so all the energy goes into that one pumpkin. Put a large square of plywood under growing pumpkins where they rest on the soil to prevent rot. Feed regularly, about every three weeks, with a good all-purpose fertilizer and provide vines with ample water.  Plant in April-June  Full Sun  Plant 1" deep  Space seeds 6"  10-14 days to germinate  110 days to harvest  Harvest & Use - Giant pumpkins need to mature properly before harvesting. Wait until rinds are fully deep orange and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail. Cut from vines, leaving 3 to 4 inches of stem "handles." Let cure in the sun for 10 days, then store in a cool, dry place to keep for months. Wyatt's Wonders make fabulous supersized Jack O’ Lanterns to light up the whole neighborhood! You can also bake the rich orange flesh for pies, soups, or casseroles.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Living Seed Company - North Georgia Candy Roaster.  This is an absolute must try for every garden. It is a rare Appalachian heirloom that grows great and is used  Best if harvested at 6" or smaller but does not loss its flavor with increasing size.  Ribbed, Speckled skin Up to 18”, 8-15 lbs Winter squash 95-100 days 20 Seeds Harvest once the rind is dry and hard    Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

A favorite of ours! This squash or zucchini thrives all across America.  It doesn't seem to be plagued my mildew and it is not bothered by bugs, it just keeps producing all summer long.  The Living Seed Company - This Italian gourmet nutty summer squash has a unique appearance that piques the interest of any curious gardener.  With green skin and ribbing, this Italian heirloom surprises with its tender skin and delectable taste! The ribbed edges give the squash a beautiful scalloped appearance when sliced.  This heirloom has been enjoyed for centuries and will do well in most any garden.  Male flowers are edible and delicious! Best if harvested at 6" or smaller but does not loss its flavor with increasing size.  Ribbed, Speckled skin Best when eaten under 6" Summer squash 50-60 days 25 Seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Big fun comes in a very small package for kids and pumpkin-lovers far and wide. High Mowing Organic Seeds - (C. moschata) Miniature, old-fashioned pumpkins are 3" wide by 2" tall and bright orange. Each plant will produce an average of eight pumpkins. Great for decorations and raw fruit can be hollowed out to make a cute serving dish. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  6-12 fruits per vine   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

This is our favorite zucchini.  The skins are tender, they are perfect for grilling, roasting, and stuffing. We have to source them differently each year but we strive for organic.  Perfectly spherical light green fruits with white speckling - a unique specialty item! Heirloom from southern France with a nice nutty flavor and great texture for fresh eating or freezing. Round shape and small size make this variety perfect for stuffing!  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Specialty crop  Harvest at 3-5" diameter  Bush-type habit  Heirloom  Instructions - Plants need loose, fertile, well-drained soil with plenty of nitrogen and a pH of 5.8-6.8. Fertilize seedlings with fish emulsion if the leaves are yellow. Days to maturity are from direct seeding, subtract 2 weeks if transplanting. Direct seed as soon as the chance of all frost has passed or start transplants 3-4 weeks before the planting date. The optimum soil temperature for germination is about 85ºF. Many growers plant multiple successions of summer squash during a season to ensure a continuous harvest, transplanting the first succession immediately after a frost-free day and the final succession three months before the expected first frost.   Plant 1/2-1" deep  Plant Spacing: 12-24" Row Spacing:  5-6'  Harvest & Storage: Best quality fruit is harvested at 5 – 8” or smaller, while skin is soft and somewhat glossy.  Harvest fruits every other day to for the best size and quality and to maintain plants’ productivity. Fruits are very perishable but will store for 3 to 4 days at 35 - 40ºF and 90% relative humidity.    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

A very sweet squash or pumpkin and is a great choice for hot and humid areas. The fruits are 6-8" and bell-shaped pumpkins and will keep for 1 year at room temperature. 95 days. Characteristics:  Organic Very sweet Stores for 1 year 90-100 days ~20 Seeds per packet, 2 grams Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out.  Direct Seed: 1" Deep Seeds to Hill: 6-8 Seeds Thin: To 3-4 Plants Light: Full Sun Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Duplicate listing - here is the original that can be ordered from.  https://fireflyfarmandmercantile.com/products/spaghetti-squash Seed Exchange - This historic variety originated in Japan and was introduced to the United States by the mid-1930s by seedsmen such as Henry A. Dreer of Philadelphia. Plants bear cream-colored, cylindrical shaped fruits filled with spaghetti-like strands of delicately flavored flesh. 80 days New for 2021 Productive plants bear 3 - 4 lb fruits Cream-colored fruits are filled with spaghetti-like strands 80 days 25 Seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Classic pie pumpkin with dry, stringless flesh and superior thick consistency in pies. High Mowing Organic Seeds - (C. moschata) Attractive fruits have dark orange skin with light ribbing and well-attached handles. Delicious flesh is not quite as sweet as Baby Pam but has an even better texture. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Stores well 4-6 lb fruit   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Renee's Garden - We import seed for this big gorgeous heirloom pumpkin from its original French breeder who maintains the best centuries-old strain, still beloved in European markets. Cinderella’s Carriage is our name for this large, thick fleshed selection that looks exactly like the original in old-fashioned illustrations of the magical fairy tale coach. The 18 to 35-pound, deep orange-red fruits are flattened and deeply lobed, and their vivid color glows among the lush vines as they ripen in celebration of fall.  Firefly Farm & Mercantile carries several Cinderella pumpkins. The original French name is Rouge Vif E'tampes which we carry as well. This variety will be a new one for us to grow and we will let you know how close it is to the original Rouge Vif E'tampes that we carry.  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Large, deeply lobed, red-orange pumpkins    Instructions - Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil, and warm temperatures. Plant only when night temperatures are above 50°F (10°C). Sow groups of 3 seeds 3 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, make circular soil mounds 3 feet across. Plant 6 seeds, 6 inches apart in the center of each mound. Thin to the strongest 3 seedlings in each mound, so vigorous vines have room to grow and fruit. Plant pumpkins where the vigorous vines can sprawl. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering them with berry baskets at sowing time, and removing them before plants get crowded. Give vines ample water and feed several times for the best yields. They need to mature properly before harvest. Wait to pick until their rinds are fully deep orange and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail. Cut from vines, leaving good stem handles. Let cure in the sun for 10 days then store in a cool dry place and they’ll keep for months.  Plant in April-June  Full Sun  Plant 1" deep  Space in rows 3 feet apart; mound 6"  10-14 days to germinate  110 days to harvest  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The Living Seed Company - The Delicata, sometimes known as Bohemian squash, was originally introduced to the U.S. by Peter Henderson and Co. back in 1894. This darling winter squash has a beautiful yellow-white skin with dark green stripes containing wonderful, sweet, delicate, light yellow-orange flesh, perhaps a bit reminiscent of sweet potato. Small 7" - 9" fruits grow on prolific short vines. Organic and Open-Pollinated  Sweet, nutty flavor and stores well 90-100 days 25 Seeds   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 3 seeds together Harvest with 2" of stems, shell should be hard to barely dent with a fingernail Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

Southern Exposure Seed Exchange - Big Max Pumpkin Extra large pumpkin often grown for county fairs and Halloween. Weighs up to 100 lbs. or more when well grown. Bright orange fruits with orange flesh good for pies. Pkt (6 g, ~22 seeds), (C. maxima) 115 days. Characteristics:  Beautiful Orange Pumpkin Baking, Eating or Canning 115 days 6.5g 22 seeds per packet on average Planting Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability

High Mowing Organic Seeds - The original Jack O’ Lantern, with rich orange color, deep ridges, and sturdy handles. Our most popular Jack O'Lantern among farmers and gardeners! Reliable and tolerant of black rot. Developed in the Berkshire Mountains by John Howden in the mid-1970s. Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  Commercial standard  25 lb fruit  Vining habit  Instructions - Pumpkins grow best in fertile, well-drained soil, with a pH between 5.8-6.8. Sidedressing is recommended one week after blossoming and again 3 weeks later, especially if there are signs of deficiency. Nitrogen deficiencies cause yellowing, and bronze leaves are a sign of potassium deficiency. Days to maturity are from direct seeding, subtract 2 weeks if transplanting. Seeds can be direct seeded after the danger of frost has passed and the soil temperature has reached 70°F. Start transplants indoors 3-4 weeks before the last risk of frost. The optimal soil temperature for germination is 85-95°F.  Plant 1/2-1" deep  Plant Spacing:  For bush varieties 18”, for vining 24-36”. Tighter plant spacing will result in yields of smaller, but more numerous, fruit.  Row Spacing:  Row spacing: for bush/semi-bush and short vine types 6’, for vigorous vining types use 9-12’  Harvest & Storage - Harvest by cutting the stem near the vine or at least 2-3” from the fruit. Too many days of sun on fruits after maturity will bleach handles and cause sunscald on the fruit. A short or broken stem can lead to rot. Cure after harvest by keeping in a warm, dry location for a few days then store at 50-55°F with 55-75% relative humidity and good air circulation.  Delicata and acorn squash do not need curing, but will not store as long as other varieties.    Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute seed vendors from time to time because of the availability

Renee's Garden - This wonderful Italian heirloom summer squash is a vigorous climbing vine, producing many 12 to 15 inch, lime-green fruits with a curvaceous trumpet shape and a delicate mild taste with a hint of nutty artichoke flavor. Trombetta’s flesh is seedless and firm and doesn’t get watery or mushy like regular zucchini. The rambling plants will soon cover a trellis, fence, or stakes with graceful fruits that hang like jade ornaments cloaked in a lush canopy of big, heart-shaped leaves.  Characteristics:  Heirloom  Long and curvy squash  Lime-green fruits  Delicate and mild-nutty flavor   58 days  Approx 25-30 seeds   Instructions - Squash needs full sun, rich fertile soil, and warm temperatures. Plant only when spring weather is warm and settled and night temperatures stay above 55°F (13°C). Train vigorous Trombetta vines up 6 to 8-foot stakes or a fence or trellis where they will make a lush leafy arbor or canopy and save garden space. Plant in full sun, sowing groups of 2-3 seeds 1 inch deep and 4 inches from vertical supports. Thin to the strongest seedling for each pole or to 12 inches apart along a fence.  Plant In: April - June  Full Sun Plant 4 inches apart  7-10 days to germinate  Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability. 

The vivid red French heirloom was reminiscent of the fairytale with its beautiful, whimsical appearance. High Mowing Organic Seeds - (C. moschata) Large, flattened fruits with exceptionally deep orange flesh and strong, sweet flavor delicious in soups and purees. Shell is commonly used as a soup tureen. It can also be named Rouge Vif D'Etampes Pumpkin.  Characteristics:  Organic, non-GMO, and open-pollinated  15-20 lb fruit   Instructions - Sow seeds outdoors in 12" diameter hills after danger of frost has passed. Hills should be spaced 6' apart in all directions. Can also be started indoors 3 weeks before transplanting out. Plant 1/2" deep Hill 6-8 seeds together Thin to 3-4 plants Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute based on supplier availability