Howden Pumpkin

Howden is one of the most widely cultivated pumpkins in the United States, the classic jack-o-lantern with a consistent shape and long shelf life. If you have bought a pumpkin at the grocery store, it was likely a Howden. Each vine produces 3 to 4 medium pumpkins weighing 15 to 20 pounds.

At a glance

• Variety: Howden, heirloom carving pumpkin
• Type: Heirloom, open-pollinated, non-GMO
• Fruit weight: 15 to 20 pounds
• Yield: 3 to 4 pumpkins per vine
• Traits: Easy to carve, long shelf life
• Sun: Full sun

Best for

• Jack-o-lanterns
• Fall decoration
• Porch and display pumpkins
• Family pumpkin patches

How to grow

Direct sow after the last frost once the soil is warm, giving vines full sun and plenty of room to sprawl in rich soil. Water consistently and harvest when the rind is hard and deep orange, leaving a sturdy stem for carving.

Flavor profile

Grown mainly for carving, with mild flesh best suited to decoration rather than cooking.

About MIgardener

MIgardener is a family-run, Michigan-based seed company offering a huge selection of affordable heirloom and non-GMO seeds. Their mission is to make gardening simple, accessible, and budget-friendly for everyone.