19 Fall Pumpkins that are Perfect for Your Fall Décor
Many of us instantly think of big, round, orange fruits when we hear the word “pumpkin.” However, there are so many different kinds of pumpkins, gourds, and squashes all with unique flavors, interesting shapes, breath-taking colors, and practical uses! Pumpkins grown for carving have been bred to be flat on the bottom and mostly hollow. Because of that, they aren’t typically very good for eating. While the seeds are yummy, people don’t usually eat the flesh because it is bland and watery. On the other hand, many pumpkins that may not look delicious end up holding some of the richest flavors. One cool fact that you may not know relates to the nutritional value of pumpkins. Did you know that they contain vitamin A, vitamin C, some of the B vitamins, as well as iron and other vitamins and minerals? Their nutritional value aside, it is that time of the season where pumpkins begin to make an appearance in decorations and recipes everywhere. And to help you find the perfect pumpkin to meet your needs, we've listed some of the varieties we carry along with some information about their characteristics and uses. Our pumpkins, squashes and gourds are all naturally grown and pesticide-free, meaning you can feel good about your purchase no matter how you end up putting your pumpkins to use. So, when you are looking for the perfect pumpkin for either cooking or for your seasonal décor, be sure to turn to Bath Garden Center!
Jack O'Lantern Pumpkins | Wolf Pumpkins | Pie Pumpkins | Baby Bear Pumpkins | Wee-B-Little Pumpkin | Jill-Be-Little Pumpkins | Jack-Be-Little Pumpkins | Cinderella Pumpkins | Red October Squash | Porcelain Doll Pumpkins | Peanut Pumpkins | Blue Hubbard Squash | Blue Jarrahdale Pumpkins | Marin Di Chiogga Pumpkin | Kabocha Squash | Cushaw Squash | Lumina Pumpkins | Snowball Pumpkins | Valenciano Pumpkins | Casperita Pumpkins
1. Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkins
This pumpkin, as can be gleaned from its name, was bred specifically for making Jack O' Lanterns. This variety is typically round to oblong in shape, and despite being bred specifically for carving, is actually delicious in a variety of pumpkin recipes as well, from soups to pies and other baked goods.
How to Grow Jack O' Lantern Pumpkins
This variety of pumpkins grows best in full sun. They take approximately 100 days for the plant and its fruit to reach maturity, so be sure to time your planting so that your pumpkins are ready for the fall season! The vines of this plant grow long and can take up a large area, so be sure to give your plants plenty of space. You can create extra space by training them to grow up a trellis. If you do this, just make sure to create slings for the heavy fruit, as the stems are not strong enough to support the developing pumpkin through to maturity. Jack O' Lantern pumpkins often reach a mature size of 7-10 lbs.
Common Uses
These pumpkins are most often used for carving, hence the name. While they are most often used as fun or spooky decorations around Halloween, they are also wonderful to use in a variety of dishes, including pumpkin pie, pumpkin muffins, and pumpkin soup!
2. Wolf Pumpkins
Wolf pumpkins are distinct due to their thick and burly stems, which make for great handles. They are round, deep orange, and great for carving. Their thick flesh makes this variety of pumpkins heavier than you might expect. This also contributes to the consistent "roundness" of these pumpkins, as the thick flesh helps prevent flat-sided fruit. Their exterior displays moderate ribs characteristic of pumpkins.
How to Grow Wolf Pumpkins
Plant these pumpkins in full sun for the best results. Be sure to give your plants plenty of space, making sure to keep a six-foot distance between plants. Less is more with these pumpkins, as inadequate plant spacing or too many plants in one area can affect the production of this plant, giving you a reduced harvest. Wolf pumpkins require approximately 120 days to reach maturity and can grow to be anywhere between 15 and 25 pounds.
Common Uses
Wolf Pumpkins are most often used for carving, though they have a sweet flavor and smooth consistency that is perfect for a variety of different dinner dishes or desserts.
3. Pie Pumpkins
Also known as Sugar Pumpkins, Pie Pumpkins are small and dense and usually have medium to dark orange flesh. They are great for eating because they are sweet, dense, and less stringy, unlike carving pumpkins. If you want to make a pumpkin pie, these are your pumpkins! One pumpkin usually makes around 1-2 pies.
How to Grow Pie Pumpkins
Plant these pumpkins in full sun and make sure they have lots of room to grow and spread their vines. Planting them in soil that is rich in organic matter will help them grow strong and produce a healthy harvest. Rotating your crops every season will also help maintain healthy soil. This variety takes anywhere between 100 and 120 days to mature, producing fruit that is usually around 3-4 pounds, though sizes can vary!
Common Uses
While there is no real reason why this pumpkin cannot be used as a carving pumpkin, they are definitely best put to use in a variety of recipes. The sweet flesh is dense and much less stringy than other larger pumpkin varieties, making it a choice selection for pumpkin pies and other delicious recipes.
4. Baby Bear Pumpkins
This variety of mini pumpkins comes in a deep orange color and features a long, sturdy stem. They make for great carving pumpkins, are delicious to eat, and have seeds that are fantastic for roasting.
How to Grow Baby Bear Pumpkins
Plant these pumpkins in full sun. They require fertile soil that is heavy in organic material. Fertilizing your plants with a high-nitrogen fertilizer is recommended. They also have high water requirements and will grow best with at least one inch of water per week. Allow for 105 days (approximately) for the fruit to reach maturity. Once grown, these pumpkins should weigh around two pounds and average around five inches in diameter. Be sure to give the vines plenty of room to grow. In optimal conditions, each plant should produce around 8-10 pumpkins.
Common Uses
These mini pumpkins have several uses. They are great for carving and generally are easier and take less time and effort to carve due to their size. They also have flesh that is moist and flavorful when roasted. Additionally, the seeds are fantastic for roasting! No matter how you put this pumpkin to use, it is a perfectly compact and versatile pumpkin.
5. Wee-B-Little Pumpkin
Another variety of mini pumpkins, these baseball-sized pumpkins are perfectly cute and suitable for decorating or eating! Your young ones will also love them, as they are just the right size.
How to Grow Wee-B-Little Pumpkins
Plant these little cuties in full sun. This variety has a slightly bushy growth habit, so they do not require as much space as larger pumpkin varieties. They reach maturity in approximately 90-100 days and generally grow up to a pound with a 3-5 inch diameter. Due to their bushy growth habit, they can be planted anywhere between 2 and 3 feet from their neighboring plant.
Common Uses
This variety of pumpkins is typically used as a decoration, though they are edible as well. Due to their small size, they are perfect for kids. Have fun carving little faces or designs into these pumpkins, paint faces on them, or simply leave them as they are. You can't go wrong with these perfectly sized mini pumpkins!
6. Jill-Be-Little (aka Jack-Be-Little) Pumpkins
These pumpkins are perfect for displays and decorating, and kids love them too! Try drawing faces on them, hollowing them out to stuff them with food, or using them as a planter pot for succulents. No matter what use you find for them, they will be an adorable addition! Jack-Be-Little Pumpkins, while they are not exactly the same as Jill-Be-Little Pumpkins, are very similar. They look the same, but the main difference between the two lies in their genetics. Jill-Be-Little Pumpkins are an improved version of Jack-Be-Little Pumpkins that have been bred specifically to have stronger vines and a higher tolerance to powdery mildew.
How to Grow Jill-Be-Little Pumpkins
Plant your pumpkins in the full sun. They require on average 90-100 days to reach maturity, so plan accordingly! Just like all other pumpkin varieties, these too are big feeders and require fertile soil. The use of compost, manure, fertilizer, and the like is highly recommended. Keep the soil moist and provide these with plenty of space to stretch their vines. Provide a trellis for vertical growth if you do not have excessive garden space. Under the right conditions, each plant should produce 8-10 cute little pumpkins.
Common Uses
This variety of mini pumpkins is most commonly used for decoration. They are a bit small for carving and are most often seen in their natural state or painted. If you really want to get creative with your mini pumpkins, cut the top off, remove the insides, and use what remains as a pot for your annual flowers, succulents, or some other decorative plant. These pumpkins are edible and are delicious stuffed. They are also very fun to use as bowls for a variety of desserts!
7. Cinderella Pumpkins (Rouge Vif'd Etemptes Pumpkin)
Cinderella pumpkins get their name from their shape, as they resemble Cinderella’s carriage. These French heirloom pumpkins aren’t just pretty, they are also edible and delicious! They have delicious orange flesh that is great for pies and savory dishes alike.
How to Grow Cinderella Pumpkins
Plant in direct sunlight and ensure that the soil is rich. Adding compost, manure or fertilizer is recommended for best results. Avoid planting in clay-heavy soils. Amending your soil so that it retains moisture while also draining well is very important. Make sure to give the vines plenty of space to grow. Cinderella pumpkins generally need around 100 days to reach maturity and can grow to anywhere between 15 and 35 pounds.
Common Uses
Like many pumpkins, this variety is a fantastic decoration and also a delicious ingredient. They are choice pumpkins for making pie and other tasty treats, as well as savory entrees. Due to their unique shape and exquisite color, they also are beautiful centerpieces or porch decorations.
8. Red October Squash
These interestingly shaped squashes, which are actually a type of Hubbard squash, come in a vibrant red color with light orange stripes running vertically across their oddly-shaped bodies. Their unconventional shape and strange stems give them an interesting look that adds originality to any fall display. Looks aren't the only notable feature of this variety, however. Its sweet and fine-grained flesh also makes for fantastic eating.
How to Grow Red October Squash
Plant this variety of winter squash in the full sun. This vining plant needs lots of space to grow, so do not plant anything else within several feet of your Red October squash plant. The fruit takes approximately 90-100 days to reach maturity. Mature plants can reach up to 24 inches in diameter and often weigh around 6-10 pounds. They are hardy to zones 3-12 and can tolerate a wide variety of growing conditions.
Common Uses
Red October squash has many uses in food and decoration. They are not often carved, due to their odd and inconsistent shape, and they are also not often painted, due to their already striking color. When used in decorating, these squashes are often left in their natural state. As mentioned, these are also often used in cooking and baking. The flavor of the golden flesh is smooth, dry, sweet, and rich, making for an exquisite addition to a wide variety of dishes.
9. Porcelain Doll Pumpkins
This premium pumpkin variety is a hybrid of the most interesting shape and color. The big, chunky pumpkin, paired with its deep ribs and light pink color, is hard to miss and even harder to beat! This pumpkin, being the only pink variety currently in the market, is primarily used for its ornamental qualities, though it is fantastic to eat as well, containing dense and sweet flesh.
How to Grow Porcelain Doll Pumpkins
Plant in the direct sun for best results. Each plant should produce 2-3 pumpkins in ideal circumstances, each ranging between 16 and 24 pounds. This variety requires approximately 110 days to reach maturity. Due to it being a hybrid, it is highly resistant to powdery mildew, which is a disease that is largely prevalent among plants such as pumpkins, squash, cucumbers, and other garden plants.
Common Uses
Because of this pumpkin's eye-catching color, shape, and features, it is most commonly used as an ornamental pumpkin. Despite this, however, it is delicious to eat, producing dense and sweet flesh to be used in a large variety of pumpkin recipes.