Early pumpkin seed Hot Chocolate

powdery mildew resistantannualwinter

Tan, ornamental pumpkin conjures up the comforting winter beverage. Draw customers to the farmstand and encourage extra sales by displaying with Sunlight, Shiver, and Cinnamon Girl. Strong handle and PMR. Avg. weight: 5–8 lb. Long vines. Intermediate resistance to powdery mildew. Avg. 3,100 seeds/lb. Packet: 30 seeds. SCIENTIFIC NAME: Cucurbita spp. CULTURE: Fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.8–6.8 is best. Plastic mulch and fabric row covers (AG-19 grade) can aide plant establishment and exclude insect pests during the seedling stage. Row covers should be removed when plants begin to flower. Poor fruit development may indicate insufficient pollination. Time plantings so that varieties will mature for the fall market. Overexposure to sun in the field after maturity and foliage dieback reduces fruit and handle color quality. TRANSPLANTING: Sow 2-3 seeds per 2" container or plug flat about 3 weeks prior to transplanting. Germinate at 75-95°F (24-35°C). Thin with scissors to 1 plant/container or cell with scissors. Harden plants 4–7 days prior to transplanting. After danger of frost has passed, transplant out according to the spacing recommendations for each variety. Handle seedlings carefully; minimal root disturbance is best. DIRECT SEEDING: Sow in late spring when soil is at least 70°F (21°C) and frost danger has passed. Sow 2 seeds at the appropriate spacing interval for the variety's vine length, 1/2-1" deep. Thin to 1 plant per spacing interval after seedlings are established.