'Howden' Lantern Pumpkin
identification
description
Classic Halloween pumpkin, uniform, sturdy and perfect for carving
Howden lantern pumpkin ( Cucurbita pepo ), offered by OSC Seeds
An iconic Halloween variety, “Howden” produces uniform , bright orange , sturdy pumpkins ideal for carving . The fruit is round to slightly elongated, with a thick skin, firm flesh, and excellent shelf life both in the field and as a decoration. Reliable, vigorous, and highly productive, this variety is a standard for lantern pumpkins.
Propagation: Indoor sowing or direct sowing in late spring
Height/Habit: Vigorous, creeping vines
Package size: Approximately 20 seeds
Harvest time: 105–115 days
Frost tolerance: Killed by frost
Companion plants: Corn, beans, nasturtiums
Incompatible plants: Closely related squash varieties (competition and cross-pollination)
Planting and maintenance:
Plant in full sun , in warm, rich, well-drained soil. Sow directly when the soil is warm or start seeds indoors 2–3 weeks before transplanting. Allow plenty of space for vigorous vines. Water deeply to support the growth of large fruit without causing cracking. Harvest when the skin is hard, deep orange, and yields to thumb pressure.
