Howden Pumpkin Seeds 2055. This line is grown from John Howden’s original seed stock. Uniform, dark orange pumpkins easily average 11 kg (25 lbs) in weight. The deeply rounded pumpkins have solid, thick flesh and are a good storing pumpkin. Howden is an excellent choice for the Halloween trade. Tolerant to black rot. How to Grow Pumpkin is a hot weather crop. They need full sun and deep, rich, well drained, organic soil with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. Before planting, work in lots of compost. Sow seed directly outdoors in late May through early June 2.5 cm (1″) deep in hills 2.4 m (8′) apart with 4-6 seeds per hill. After germination, thin to 3 plants per hill. Seed can be started indoors 3 weeks before the plant out date. Pumpkins do not transplant well–use paper or fibre pots that can be set directly in the soil. For competition sized pumpkins, allow only two pumpkins per plant to mature. Protect mature pumpkins from frost and cold temperatures.
