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

— · Texas-Grown

Pumpkin, Jack O’ Lantern

$3.00


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.

22 in stock

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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