Pumpkin Mini Jack

Renee's Garden - Easy to grow and very reliable, Mini Jack Baby Pumpkins mature much earlier than their bigger cousins, rewarding you with armfuls of 3 to 4-inch, deeply ribbed fruits that are true old-fashioned miniatures. Kids (of all ages) love them and they make welcome gifts and colorful holiday decorations and centerpieces. These happy little beauties are also deliciously edible; bake them whole for individual servings of stuffing, cranberry sauce, or pumpkin soup presented right in their bright orange shells. 

Characteristics: 

Instructions - Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil, and warm temperatures. Wait to plant until temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C) day and night. Sow groups of 2 to 3 seeds 2 feet apart and 1 inch deep in rows 4 feet apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group to give vines room to ramble. Or, make slightly mounded hills 2 to 3 feet across and 6 feet apart and plant 4 to 5 seeds on each hill. When seedlings have several sets of leaves, thin to the strongest 3 seedlings per hill. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering them with plastic berry baskets at sowing time, and removing them before plants get crowded. All pumpkins need to mature properly, so wait to pick until the rinds are fully colored and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail and the vines have died back. Then cut, leaving a good stem handle. Let them cure for 10 days in the sun, then store them in a cool dry place and they’ll keep for months.

• Plant in April-June 
• Full Sun 
• Plant 1" deep 
• Space in rows 2 feet apart; hills 6" 
• 7-10 days to germinate 
• 80-85 days to harvest 

Firefly Farm & Mercantile may substitute suppliers due to availability.