Organic ‘Howden’ Pumpkin

Organic ‘Howden’ pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) from the seed company Gaia, a robust heirloom variety with a deep orange color and decorative fruit

The ‘Howden’ pumpkin develops long, vigorous, creeping vines , accompanied by broad, dark green foliage that effectively protects the fruit as it ripens. The pumpkins are round to slightly flattened , a rich, uniform orange , marked with deep ridges , and have thick, sturdy handles for easy handling. The fruits can weigh up to 11 kg , with a firm, tough rind.

Developed in the Berkshire mountains by John Howden, this heirloom variety has become a staple for market gardeners , particularly for Halloween decorations . It is distinguished by its resistance to black rot , its good field performance, and its ability to produce uniform, well-colored fruit. The flowers are edible , adding an extra culinary interest to this primarily ornamental variety.

Companion plants: Corn, Climbing beans, Radishes, Tomatoes, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Oregano, Calendula
Negative plants: Tomato, Eggplant, Potato, Pepper

Spread/Habit: Creeping, very vigorous
Plant height: 40 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet: 20 seeds
Certification: Certified organic
Special features: Heirloom variety, decorative deep orange fruit, tolerant to black rot, ideal for Halloween, edible flowers

Leaf color: Dark green
Texture/Use: Firm flesh, primarily decorative
Cold tolerance: Sensitive to frost

Farming method

Soak the seeds in lukewarm water for up to 24 hours and lightly scarify them to improve germination. Sow at a depth of 2.5 cm , either indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost , or directly outdoors in late May or early June , when the soil temperature reaches 25C . For outdoor cultivation, sow 2 to 3 seeds per hill , spaced 4.5 to 6 meters apart, then thin to one plant when the seedlings reach 7 to 10 cm .

Pumpkins prefer full sun (level 3) and consistent watering (level 3) . To obtain very large fruits, remove excess flowers and fruit after the first pumpkin has ripened.

Harvesting and preservation

Harvest when the fruit is a rich orange color , the peel becomes difficult to cut with a fingernail , and the stain on the ground changes from creamy yellow to orange . Cut the fruit, leaving about 5 cm of stem to prevent rot. Allow to ripen in a warm, dry place, then store at 10-12C , with 55-75% humidity and good air circulation.

Usage ideas

Halloween and autumn decorations
Traditional sculptures
Market decorations and produce displays
Using flowers in cooking
Exposure culture for uniform fruit

The ‘Howden’ pumpkin embodies the classic pumpkin par excellence , combining robustness , striking aesthetics , and a recognized horticultural heritage . An iconic heritage variety, inseparable from gardens and autumn celebrations.