Round Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)

The Round Pumpkin is prized for its plump, rounded shape, deep solid rind and dense, sweet orange flesh. With its rich, nutty aroma it roasts beautifully, turns into velvety soups and purees, and doubles as a handsome autumn ornament. Its firm rind hardens fully in cool weather, giving it excellent storage life and a true farm-to-table character.

Planting

Grow in full sun with at least 6 hours of direct light. Sow seeds about 2.5 cm deep outdoors once the soil at 5 cm depth has warmed to at least 18°C; seeds germinate poorly in cold soil. For an early start, sow indoors on their side about 1.3 cm deep and keep a steady 18-21°C. Transplant roughly 4 weeks later, once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, hardening them off before planting out after the last frost. Space vining plants 60-90 cm apart, with rows about 1.5-2 m apart.

Fertilizing

Apply phosphorus and potassium at planting according to a soil test. Once the vines begin to run, side-dress with a nitrogen source such as 27-3-3. In containers, feed with a high-potassium liquid feed every 10-14 days once the first fruits start to swell.

Care

Provide at least 2.5 cm of water per week, using drip or soaker irrigation aimed at the soil rather than the leaves to limit disease. Watch for squash bugs, vine borers and cucumber beetles, and protect young seedlings from slugs and snails. Good airflow and steady moisture help prevent powdery mildew, anthracnose and grey mould. Harvest in about 85-120 days, when the rind is hard and deeply coloured and the stem has dried; cut leaving about 5 cm of stem and bring fruit in before any hard frost.