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A New Twist on Pumpkins

© Tracy Nagy

If you have grown pumpkins in the past and want to try something new, or would like to take a stab at growing them, then I have a treat for you. Just when we are cruising through the grocery store or pumpkin patch choosing the best carving pumpkin and wishing we had our own pumpkin patch- I have a treat. I have compiled a list of some heirloom pumpkins as well as some more unusual hybrids for you to ponder on for next season.

Where to start.... let's begin with the heirlooms. You have probably heard of heirloom tomatoes - , purple, Rose de Berne, and know them for their superb taste and great color and texture. But now, let's explore the world of heirloom pumpkins with its equally full array of shapes and textures that will tantalize the best pumpkin carver or pie aficionado.

If you have ever watched Cinderella and wondered where you find pumpkins with the right shape to grow into a carriage- "Rouge" is for you. Perfect flattened pumpkin shape with a scarlet color and deep ridges - just right for a carriage ride to the ball. (110 days from seed- sources www.burpee.com, www.seedsofchange.com, and www.shepherdseeds.com)

Pie fanatics might want to try "Small Sugar" . Mr. calls it "A Very prolific and handsome little pumpkin:... deep orange-yellow. It is very fine grained, sweet and sugary, keeps well." ( , Heirloom 2000 catalogue, Turn of the Century Collector's Edition)(95 days from seed)(sources: www.seedsofchange.com, www.burpee.com)

For the unusual in the pumpkin world you can look, to " Mini Pumpkins" from Shepherd's Seeds. They are "miniaturized version(s) of old-fashioned pumpkins with a deep orange color and hard, ridged shells." These are great for children's projects, to paint or decorate with markers. They can also be used as small serving bowls for fall feasts- stuffing, cranberry sauce, or pumpkins pudding. *** As a side note- a great way to grow these is to trellis them on a ladder, and when the pumpkins start to form cradle them in nylons tied to the ladder to better hold their weight. Very easy to grow and happy on a trellis. (80 days from seed) (source: www.sherpherdseeds.com)

Another tip can be had from the American Indians who used to plant squash and pumpkins around their corn harvest as it would keep out raccoons who didn't like to walk through the vines.

Well, there it is.... some more fodder for your winter planning sessions on your garden. Some new varieties, and some varieties that seem like new but are ages old. Bake, carve and serve your way into a new relation to your pumpkin patch next season with these different offerings- and by all means have fun with it!!!!