Ideal Uses: Fall decoration, pies, soups, roasted dishes, and purees
Product Details:
Seed Count: Available in various packet sizes
Seed Quality: Non-GMO, open-pollinated for robust growth and high-quality fruit production
Germination Rate: High, ensuring strong, healthy plants that produce beautiful, flavorful pumpkins
Growth Habit: Vining plant producing large, deeply lobed, bright orange pumpkins with a flattened, squashed shape similar to the ones seen in fairy tales
Planting Instructions:
Seed Preparation:
Soaking (Optional): Soaking seeds for 6-8 hours before planting can improve germination, especially for pumpkin varieties like Cinderella, but it's not required.
Sowing Instructions:
Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, at 70-80°F (21-27°C), to get a head start on the growing season.
Outdoor Sowing: Directly sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, once soil temperatures reach 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep in soil.
Spacing: Space seeds 4-6 inches apart in hills or rows, with 6-8 feet between plants to allow the vines to spread freely.
Care & Maintenance:
Watering:
Water consistently to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Pumpkin vines need plenty of water, especially during fruit development.
Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting the leaves, which could encourage disease.
Fertilization:
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer to promote overall growth. Once pumpkins start forming, switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer to support fruit development.
Consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to the soil for extra nutrients.
Weeding & Mulching:
Apply a layer of mulch around the plants to retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and reduce weed growth.
Keep the garden bed weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and space.
Pest & Disease Management:
Watch for common pumpkin pests such as squash bugs, aphids, and cucumber beetles. Use organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if necessary.
Prevent diseases like powdery mildew by ensuring proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering.
Harvesting & Storage:
Harvesting Time:
Cinderella pumpkins typically take 90-100 days to mature, depending on growing conditions.
Harvest when the pumpkins have reached their full color, are firm, and the skin cannot be easily pierced with a fingernail.
Harvesting Method:
Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the pumpkins from the vine, leaving a 2-3 inch stem attached. Handle pumpkins carefully to avoid damaging the skin.
Storage:
Store harvested pumpkins in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. They can be stored for 2-3 months or longer if kept at around 50-55°F (10-13°C).
Tips for Success:
Vine Space: Cinderella pumpkins require plenty of space to spread. Consider planting in hills or large garden beds to allow the vines to grow freely.
Pruning: For better airflow and easier management, prune the vines after they have established to avoid overcrowding.
Check for Ripeness: Always check for ripeness by examining the color, texture, and firmness of the skin before harvesting.
