A classic heirloom pumpkin known for its excellent Halloween carving qualities and versatile culinary uses. Jack O'Lantern produces attractive, medium-sized orange pumpkins with sturdy stems, smooth skin, and a traditional round shape. Their easy-to-carve surfaces make them a favorite for jack-o'-lanterns, autumn decorations, and seasonal displays. The flesh can also be used for baking, homemade breads, soups, and other fall recipes. This open-pollinated variety grows on vigorous, spreading vines and is a dependable choice for home gardeners looking for a traditional Halloween pumpkin.Planting & Growing Information Relative Maturity: 90–110 Days Germination: 7–14 Days Planting Depth: 1” Plant Spacing: 2–3’ Row Spacing: 6–8’ Sun Exposure: Full Sun Recommended Soil Temperature: 70–80°F Growing Season: Late Spring through Fall Growth Habit: Spreading Vine Seed Type: Heirloom, Open-Pollinated Fruit Size: Medium Fruit Shape: Traditional Round Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo Soil Preference: Fertile, Well-Drained Soil Growing TipsSow seeds directly outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed. Plant seeds 1” deep, spacing plants approximately 2–3’ apart in rows 6–8’ apart. Choose a sunny location with warm, fertile, well-drained soil enriched with compost or aged manure. Allow plenty of room for the vigorous vines to spread, and keep soil consistently moist, especially during flowering and fruit development. Water near the base of the plants to help keep foliage dry. In areas with shorter growing seasons, seeds may be started indoors 2–3 weeks before transplanting outdoors. Gardeners growing pumpkins specifically for Halloween should plan their planting dates around the expected maturity period and local frost conditions.HarvestingHarvest Jack O'Lantern pumpkins when they have developed their mature orange color and the rind is firm enough to resist pressure from a fingernail. The stem should be sturdy and beginning to dry as the fruit reaches maturity. Cut pumpkins from the vine before a hard freeze, leaving approximately 3–4” of stem attached to help prevent damage and decay. Avoid carrying pumpkins by their stems, as broken handles can shorten storage life. For longer storage, cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated area for approximately 7–10 days, then store in a cool, dry location around 50–55°F. Properly handled pumpkins can remain in good condition for several months, providing plenty of time for fall decorating and seasonal cooking.
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