Seminole Pumpkin (Cucurbita moschata)
The Seminole Pumpkin is Florida's native squash! Grown by Florida's indigenous population dating back to the sixteenth century. Though the pumpkin shares its name with the Seminole tribe, it was widely consumed and grown by the Miccosukee, Creek, and other tribes indigenous to Florida.
A vine type, the Seminole Pumpkin is a prolific producer and growing as many as 80 pumpkins on a single vine! Some look like traditional pumpkins, some looks like gourds, while others resemble butternut squashes. Flavor, texture, color, and shape are all very similar to butternut squash. Flowers are also edible and can be prepared filled with meat or veggies.
Seminole Pumpkin is one of our favorite annual plants to grow in the Sow Exotic food forest. Extremely heat tolerant and low-maintenance, Seminole Pumpkin plants thrive throughout the hot rainy summer. We plant every year in early summer, when it's raining heavily, harvest in the fall/winter, and enjoy Seminole Pumpkins all year long. Fruit can weigh up to around 10 lbs and lasts for up to a year at room temperature.
Plant Type:
Annual Fruiting Vine
Harvest Season:
Summer, Fall, Early Winter
Can harvest May-December, however, it's best to plant in June and harvest in Fall-Winter because the summer rain provides the liberal amounts of water required for growth.
Mature Size:
Up to 25 ft. long
Soil & Moisture:
Rich moist soil, has drought tolerance and likes a variety of soil conditions from rich compost and fertilizer to dry and sandy. Seminole Pumpkin is so unique because, unlike other squash varieties, it really thrives in the hot rainy season.
Light Requirements:
Part Shade, Shade
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Fast, Very-Fast
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 4-11 with frost protection; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Seminole Pumpkin plants are grown from seed and ready to produce within one growing season.
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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