Organic 'Howden' Pumpkin
Organic 'Howden' pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) from the seed company Gaia, a robust heirloom variety with a deep orange color and decorative fruit
The 'Howden' pumpkin develops long, vigorous, creeping vines , accompanied by broad, dark green foliage that effectively protects the fruit as it ripens. The pumpkins are round to slightly flattened , a rich, uniform orange , marked with deep ridges , and have thick, sturdy handles for easy handling. The fruits can weigh up to 11 kg , with a firm, tough rind.
Developed in the Berkshire mountains by John Howden, this heirloom variety has become a staple for market gardeners , particularly for Halloween decorations . It is distinguished by its resistance to black rot , its good field performance, and its ability to produce uniform, well-colored fruit. The flowers are edible , adding an extra culinary interest to this primarily ornamental variety.
Companion plants: Corn, Climbing beans, Radishes, Tomatoes, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Oregano, Calendula
Negative plants: Tomato, Eggplant, Potato, Pepper
Spread/Habit: Creeping, very vigorous
Plant height: 40 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet: 20 seeds
Certification: Certified organic
Special features: Heirloom variety, decorative deep orange fruit, tolerant to black rot, ideal for Halloween, edible flowers
Leaf color: Dark green
Texture/Use: Firm flesh, primarily decorative
Cold tolerance: Sensitive to frost
Farming method
Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for up to 24 hours and lightly scarify them to improve germination. Sow at a depth of 2.5 cm , either indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost , or directly outdoors in late May or early June , when the soil temperature reaches 25°C . For outdoor cultivation, sow 2 to 3 seeds per hill , spaced 4.5 to 6 meters apart, then thin to one plant when the seedlings reach 7 to 10 cm .
Pumpkins prefer full sun (level 3) and consistent watering (level 3) . To obtain very large fruits, remove excess flowers and fruit after the first pumpkin has ripened.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit is a rich orange color , the peel becomes difficult to cut with a fingernail , and the stain on the ground changes from creamy yellow to orange . Cut the fruit, leaving about 5 cm of stem to prevent rot. Allow to ripen in a warm, dry place, then store at 10-12°C , with 55-75% humidity and good air circulation.
Usage ideas
• Halloween and autumn decorations
• Traditional sculptures
• Market decorations and produce displays
• Using flowers in cooking
• Exposure culture for uniform fruit
The 'Howden' pumpkin embodies the classic pumpkin par excellence , combining robustness , striking aesthetics , and a recognized horticultural heritage . An iconic heritage variety, inseparable from gardens and autumn celebrations.
