Organic 'Rouge Vif D'Etampes' Pumpkin
Organic 'Rouge Vif d'Etampes' pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) from the seed company Gaia, a French heritage variety with flattened, orange-red fruits
The 'Rouge Vif d'Etampes' pumpkin, also known as Cinderella , develops long, vigorous, creeping vines with broad, dark green foliage that beautifully showcases its spectacular fruit. The pumpkins are flattened and deeply ribbed , ranging in color from burnt orange to bright red , and can weigh from 3 to 14 kg . Their thin skin and elegant shape make them highly decorative and instantly recognizable.
Originating in France in the early 1800s , this heirloom variety was introduced to the United States by Burpee in 1883. Its mild flesh , less sweet than that of many winter squashes, is particularly prized in traditional cuisine. French chefs notably use it as a base for vegetable broths , or to cook garlic, onions, and leeks directly inside the fruit to prepare rich and flavorful soups. Due to its thin skin, its storage life is more limited than that of other pumpkins.
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
Certification: Environmentally friendly product
Special features: French heritage variety, flattened orange-red fruit, very decorative
Leaf color: Dark green
Texture/flavor: Tender, sweet flesh, not very fibrous
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 large, well-formed fruits, limit the number of pumpkins per plant after the first fruit has ripened.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest when the fruit is a deep color , the skin 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. Let ripen in a warm, dry place, then store at 10-12°C (50-54°F) , with 55-75% humidity and good air circulation. Due to its thin skin, this variety does not keep as long as other pumpkins.
Usage ideas
• Autumn decorations and rustic displays
• Vegetable soups and broths
• Cooking vegetables directly in the pumpkin
• Traditional French recipes
• Using flowers in cooking
The 'Rouge Vif d'Etampes' pumpkin embodies the elegance of heirloom varieties , combining decorative beauty , culinary heritage , and delicate flavor . An iconic pumpkin, as poetic as it is delicious, that brightens the vegetable garden and the autumn table.
