When fall comes around, we just canโt help but think about everything pumpkin and pumpkin spice! Thatโs when I started looking around for unique pumpkin varieties and came across these 9 cultivars that are unlike anything Iโve ever seen!
Since pumpkins can take a bit to grow, itโs a great idea to start planning for next year now. For a great autumn harvest, make sure to plant your pumpkins between May and June!
But right now, itโs the perfect time to be on the lookout for these rare varieties. Why not check out your local pumpkin patch and see if you can find some of them there? These pumpkin varieties are one-of-a-kind and great for your fall garden next year:
1. Cucurbita maxima โFireballโ
โFireballโ resembles a tiny pumpkin but can grow to a medium size, reaching about 12โณ in height and width. The fruits typically weigh about nine pounds when they’re fully mature. Theyโre usually round, but they can have a bit of a flat top too. They’re really tough against diseases.
These squashes have a unique and playful look to them. When they’re not quite ripe, you’ll see dark green ribs against a yellow backdrop. As they grow up, the ribs turn a nice dark orange, while the stem stays a rich deep green. Theyโre definitely edible, but the main reason theyโre grown is for their ornamental appeal.
2. Cucurbita pepo โBlack Katโ
This adorable little varietyย is compact and comes with some incredibleย characteristics. Super easy for the kiddos to manage, โBlack Katโ tips the scales at just a pound or two when itโs all grown up. The vines are easy to handle, growing to a length of six to eight feet, and they reach maturity pretty quickly in about 75-80 days.
The exterior of โBlack Katโ is a deep, rich green thatโs hard to describe. When they’re ripe, they look almost black. They really add a nice touch to bigger, more colorful pumpkins. This variety has a really fun feature: when you cut into it, the flesh is a vibrant orange, even though the rind is dark.
3. Cucurbita maxima โBlue Dollโ
Unlike โBlack Kat,โ โBlue Dollโ is big and vibrant. This is definitely one of the prettiest blue varieties youโll come across. โBlue Dollโ pumpkins are pretty big and quite heavy. They can definitely weigh as much as 20 pounds. The extra-long vines really pack a punch with their impressive volume.
โBlue Dollโ features stunning blue-green skin. Itโs got a more square shape than round, with a little dip on top, which makes it perfect for stacking pumpkins! The inside has a nice pale orange color, perfect for baking! They can stick around for quite a while, lasting up to three months.
4. Cucurbita maxima โOne Too Manyโ
If you’re on the hunt for a unique and fun carving pumpkin, check out โOne Too Many.โ This cultivar is super easy to grow and can get really impressive, weighing up to 20 pounds! The full-sized vines typically yield around two or three fruits each.
โOne Too Manyโ has a nice fullness and roundness to it. The skin is quite attractive, featuring a white base with these unique reddish-orange veins scattered throughout. Their fun name is inspired by how someone’s eyes look after a night of having a bit too much fun. The meat is tasty and perfect for a delicious pie.
5. Cucurbita maxima โJarrahdaleโ
This blue variety is a nice medium size, typically weighing in at around 6-12 pounds when fully grown. They have a drum shape with flat tops and bottoms, which makes them perfect for stacking. Their stunning silvery blue skin looks amazing alongside more classic pumpkins.
โJarrahdaleโ pumpkins are great for carving, but they do require a little extra effort. The flesh has a lovely golden and creamy look, featuring a smooth, stringless texture and a delightful nutty flavor. Cut this one open, drizzle some honey on top, and pop it in the oven for a tasty treat!
6. Cucurbita maxima โRed Warty Thingโ
Thatโs a fun name for a really fun lookingย pumpkin! โRed Warty Thingโ definitely lives up to its name! These fruits weigh between 10 to 20 pounds and have a thick skin, making them perfect for storing for a long time. The vines stretch out quite a bit, but they typically only yield one or two fruits each.
This squash stands out with its thick, red skin. It has a lot of big bumps, which makes it look kind of warty. Inside, itโs all about charm and elegance. The smooth, creamy flesh is super tasty and perfect for cooking up something great. It also makes a really fun Jack-o-Lantern!
7. Cucurbitae maxima โGaleux dโEysinesโ
It might not be the most beautiful pumpkin out there, but if you’re into cooking with pumpkins, โGaleux dโEysinesโ is definitely one of the sweetest options you can find.
The bumpy skin comes from their high sugar content, but they sure do have delicious, smooth flesh! This variety is perfect for making a delicious soup or sauce!
โGaleux dโEysinesโ are medium-sized fruits that typically weigh around 10 to 15 pounds when theyโre fully mature. Their unique skin really adds a fun touch to autumn decor and makes for great table centerpieces! They can be stored for quite a while, up to six months!
8. Cucurbita pepo โCrunchkinโ
You’ve probably come across the cute ‘Munchkin’ pumpkins at various stores that sell them. This is their cousin, โCrunchkin,โ named for its extra thick and crunchy skin. This little variety takes around 80-100 days to mature and grows on long, strong vines.
The rind has a nice orange color with some light yellow speckles. These have long, slender stems and are perfect for craft projects since they’re easy for little hands to hold.
Their sweet flesh is perfect for baking, but you’ll need quite a few if you’re planning to whip up a pie with them.
9. Cucurbita pepo โLil Pump-Ke-Monโ
โLil Pump-Ke-Monโ is a little pumpkin bursting with character. It’s compact, yet it really stands out with its vibrant colors. This is yet another awesome craft option! Weighing in at just one to two pounds, it’s just right for small hands.
The fruits are tiny and a bit squished. The skin is a nice creamy white, while the ribs are adorned with orange and green stripes and speckles in those same colors. They’re perfect for roasting and serving individual portions during the holidays. Fill them up or add some seasoning for a fun and eye-catching side dish.
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