Organic Pumpkin Rouge Vif d'Etampe - Renee's Garden

Cucurbita maxima

Heirloom Pumpkins

French heirloom: brilliantly flame-colored 'Cinderella' pumpkins whose eye-catching color, lovely shape and long keeping ability makes them a premium holiday favorite.

Seed Count: Approx. 21 / Weight: 5 g

BEST TO START OUTDOORS

Pumpkins need full sun, rich fertile soil and warm temperatures. Plant only when weather is warm and night temperatures stay above 50F (10C). Sow groups of 3 seeds 3 ft. apart and 1 in. deep in rows 4 ft. apart. Thin to 1 strong seedling per group. Or, make circular soil mounds 3 ft. across. Plant 6 seeds, 6 in. apart in center of each mound. Thin to the strongest 3 seedlings in each mound, so vigorous vines have room to grow fruit.

GROWING NOTES

Plant pumpkins where the vigorous vines can sprawl. Protect young seedlings from marauding birds by covering with berry baskets at sowing time, removing before plants get crowded. Give vines ample water and feed several times for the best yields.

HARVEST AND USE

These big plump beauties need to mature properly before harvest. Wait to pick until rinds are fully deep orange and tough enough to resist piercing with a fingernail. Cut from vines, leaving a good stem handles. Let cure in the sun for 10 days then store in a cool dry place and they'll keep for months. Steam or bake the rich orange flesh for baked goods, soups or casseroles. Or hollow out the inside and use the ornamental pumpkin whole as a show-stopping serving dish for soup or stew.