The information on this page applies to seedlings sold by LEAF Nursery during our 2021 Seedling Sale.
Cucurbita pepo. Since the 1800s, 'Sugar Pie' has been the standard for making terrific pies, soups, muffins, and casseroles. Small, 6"-7" fruits are also good for carving decor-size jack o'lanterns. Stores for months. Also called 'New England' pumpkin.
Seed Type
| Organic | Heirloom | Non-GMO | Hybrid | Open-pollinated | Untreated |
Additional Information
| Container Friendly | Trellis Needed | Easy to Grow | Pollinator Friendly |
Planting Season
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
Growing Conditions
| Light | Temperature | Soil | Water |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full Sun | 70+ F | Rich, fertile | Once a week, or as needed. Avoid overwatering or watering leaves. |
Planting Tips
| Plant Spacing | Plant Size | Days to Maturity |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 plants per mound | 8'–15' vines | 90-115 |
- Additional instructions: Choose a location where the vines will have plenty of space to ramble. You can direct the vines where you want them to go when the plants are young; however, once they become established and begin to flower, the vines should be left alone. For larger pumpkins, remove all but 1 or 2 pumpkins per plant. Hand pollination is recommended.[3] [4]
- Harvesting instructions: Harvest pumpkins before the first fall frost, and when foliage has begun to dry out. Cut stem with a knife, leaving 3"–4" of stem on the pumpkin. Do not hold the pumpkin by the stem; if stem attachment gets broken, or any part of the pumpkin bruises, the pumpkin may rot. Brush off any dirt or leaves. Ideally, cure at 80°-85°F and 80–85% humidity or a warm, sunny spot with good air circulation for 1 to 2 weeks before eating or storage. Do not allow harvested fruit to get wet.
Common Diseases and Pests
- Pests: aphids and slugs
- Disease: powdery mildew, downy mildew, and cucumber mosaic virus
Useful Resources
- https://www.botanicalinterests.com/product/Sugar-Pie-Pumpkin-Seeds (seed source)
- http://mgsantaclara.ucanr.edu/garden-help/vegetables/vegetable-planting-chart/
- https://www.seedsavers.org/grow-squash
- https://gardenbeast.com/how-to-grow-pumpkins/
If you bought this seedling and have any questions or feedback, let us know in the comment section below.