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
