Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570
— Plant Nursery · Texas-Grown
$3.00
Small Sugar Pumpkin (also called New England Pie Pumpkin) is the classic pie pumpkin, producing small, 5-8 lb fruits with thick, sweet, fine-grained orange flesh – the best variety for homemade pumpkin pie, soups, and purees. It also makes an excellent small decorative pumpkin. Compact vines are manageable for home gardens, and fruits mature in approximately 100-105 days.
At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Small Sugar Pumpkin transplants are grown for strong vines and quality fruit production suited to Austin’s fall growing season.
24 in stock
Moderate, consistent water needs through fruit development
Reduce watering as fruits approach maturity to harden rinds
Drip irrigation preferred
Balanced organic fertilizer at planting
Lower nitrogen, higher potassium at fruit set
Side-dress with compost every 3-4 weeks
Limit to 2-4 fruits per vine for best size
Turn fruits gently for even coloring
Hand-pollinate if needed during low pollinator activity
Cure at 80-85 F for 10 days after harvest
Squash vine borers
Powdery mildew
Cucumber beetles
Squash bugs
Phytophthora blight
Count back approximately 100-105 days from target harvest to determine planting date
For Halloween: plant by late June-early July
Fall planting (July) strongly preferred to reduce vine borer pressure
Cure after harvest; stores up to 3 months in cool, dry conditions
Plant March-April; squash vine borers are a significant challenge
Avoid midsummer planting; extreme heat stresses young plants
Preferred season; plant in July for October-November harvest
Cooler fall weather dramatically improves fruit quality
Fall planting: Late June-late July (target Halloween harvest)
Spring planting: March-April (less ideal due to vine borers)
Ideal soil temperatures: 65-85 F
Full sun
Minimum 6-8 hours daily
24-36 inches apart; rows 6-8 feet apart
Well-draining, fertile soil
Compost-amended beds preferred
pH 6.0-6.8
Water deeply at transplanting
Consistent moisture through vine development and fruit set
Pumpkin flesh and seeds are generally considered non-toxic to:
Cooked or plain canned pumpkin is often recommended for digestive health in dogs and cats.
Avoid pumpkin with added spices or sweeteners.
Raw rind in large amounts may cause digestive upset.
