If this is your first time hearing about them, Seminole pumpkins are a unique heirloom variety pumpkin. They love the heat and humidity and thrive in our Florida summers, plus they can be grown throughout the state. These pumpkins can be round, pear shaped, or even crook-necked. Immature pumpkins are green, then vary in color as they mature, ranging from tan to pale orange, sometimes on the same plant.
These hardy pumpkins are part of Florida’s history. The pumpkins, or a related variety, were cultivated by Indigenous people of Florida and planted at the base of palms and live oaks that would support the vigorously growing vines. Chassahowitzka is often translated as “pumpkin hanging place” and there are even reports of some of these pumpkins still growing wild in the Everglades.
Seminole pumpkins spread out their vines, sometimes reaching lengths of 25 feet. They can be gently guided around shrubs and trees before the vines attach or can be grown up a large, sturdy trellis. Vines can be pruned to help fit your garden space, though pruned plants will probably produce less fruit. Seeds can be planted in March and April or as late as August; they take 60-90 days to mature and can grow until the first frost. Some native plant nurseries do carry small starts, or seedlings, for planting. The vines produce beautiful yellow flowers, both male and female, so they are dependent on pollinators. The plants can yield lots of pumpkins, usually weighing 5-10 pounds, and are resistant to the dreaded squash vine borer and powdery mildew.
These beauties are hardy, summer-loving, productive – and delicious! Their flesh is sweet and tastes great just baked with your favorite herbs or spices. They make an excellent base for soup and, of course, can be used for traditional pumpkin desserts. They store extremely well if kept in a cool, dry place.
An elementary school garden in north Florida turned into a perfect pumpkin patch during the summer. Vines from just two plants spread across a large garden bed, and down the slope below. They thrived with little attention and provided nearly three dozen pumpkins to harvest when students arrived for classes in late summer. Students visited the pumpkin garden for lessons on seeds, flowers, insects, and Spanish vocabulary! Teachers experimented with recipes for taste testing. Pumpkin Mac ‘n’ Cheese was one delicious option!
To learn more about planting and growing these tasty, reliable pumpkins, visit UF Gardening Solutions. Or check out Green Country Seed Savers to read about Seminole pumpkins shading, chicken coops, or growing trellises on the side of a house.
