Cucurbita pepo 'Jack o' Lantern'
pumpkin 'Jack o'Lantern'
A well-known, ornamental pumpkin cultivar, producing orange-skinned, spherical pumpkins that are typically grown for halloween decorations. The pumpkins are late ripening and while the flesh is edible and can be used for soups, the flavour is mediocre. They usually weigh around 3 kg (7 lbs).
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Size
Ultimate height
0.5–1 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
1–1.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
| Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
| Spring | Green | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Summer | Yellow | Green | ||
| Autumn | Green | Orange | ||
| Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing
- Potentially harmful
- If crop is bitter, don't eat. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained, acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Sow indoors March to May in good quality seed compost. Sow the seeds on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See pumpkin cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- Patio and container plants
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Generally pest-free
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews
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