Plant pickup: Thursdays 3–7pm · Also by appointment 512.348.7570

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Pumpkin, Jack O' Lantern

— · Texas-Grown

Pumpkin, Jack O’ Lantern

$4.00

Jack O’ Lantern Pumpkin is the classic carving pumpkin producing round to slightly oval, 8-15 lb bright orange fruits on vigorous, sprawling vines. Maturing in approximately 75-90 days, it is the quintessential Halloween pumpkin and also produces edible (if slightly stringy) flesh suitable for purees and soups. It performs well in Central Texas’s fall growing season.

At Flying Rabbit Farm, our Jack O’ Lantern transplants are grown for vigorous vines and bold orange fruit production.

Care Instructions
Watering
Moderate, consistent water needs through fruit development Reduce watering as fruits mature to harden rinds and deepen color Drip irrigation preferred
Fertilizing
Balanced organic fertilizer at planting Lower nitrogen, higher potassium at fruit set Side-dress with compost every 3-4 weeks
Pruning & Maintenance
Limit to 2-3 fruits per vine for best size Turn fruits for even, deep orange color Hand-pollinate if needed Cure at 80-85 F for 10 days after harvest
Common Issues
Squash vine borers Powdery mildew Cucumber beetles Squash bugs
Count back 80-90 days from Halloween to determine planting date (plant late July for October 31) Fall planting strongly preferred to avoid vine borers Deep orange color develops best in warm days and cooler nights of fall Cure before displaying for longest shelf life
Seasonal Notes
Spring
Possible but vine borers are a significant challenge; use row covers
Fall
Preferred season; plant late July for Halloween harvest
Best Time to Plant in Austin
Fall: Late June-late July (target October harvest) Spring: March-April (less ideal) Ideal soil temperatures: 65-85 F
Sun Requirements
Full sun Minimum 6-8 hours daily
Spacing
24-36 inches apart; rows 6-8 feet apart Vines spread considerably
Soil
Well-draining, fertile, compost-amended soil pH 6.0-6.8
Watering After Planting
Water deeply at transplanting Consistent moisture through vine development and fruit set
Corn Beans Nasturtiums Marigolds Borage Dill Radish
Pumpkin flesh is generally considered non-toxic to: Dogs Cats Horses Cooked, plain pumpkin is beneficial for digestive health in dogs and cats. Avoid feeding rind in large amounts. Do not feed pumpkin with added spices or sweeteners.

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