Growing pumpkins

Washington’s cool weather is great for pumpkins. Ideally, pumpkins do well in 55-to-60-degree temperatures. Whether you are picking pumpkins from your backyard, buying them from a local farmer or Master Gardeners, they are bound to be a big hit.

When deciding on a type of pumpkin to grow, consider its purpose. For pie, consider New England Sugar Pie, the Jack-O-Lantern is best for carving and the Cinderella is best for ornamental decorations. No matter which variety you choose, you need space and time. The vines can grow up to 30 feet long. Most varieties can be trained on a trellis to save space, taking weight into consideration. Most pumpkins need 90 to 120 days to mature. WSU Mason County Master Gardeners planted seeds in June at our Catalyst Demonstration Garden and recently harvested 40 pumpkins.

The Big Max pumpkin is best for desserts and requires 120 days to reach its full size of 70 inches and 100 pounds. The smaller Pumpkin Munchkin makes great bowls for filling and requires 100 days to reach its maturity of 4 to 8 ounces and 3 to 4 inches wide.

Orange (Howden) is still the most popular color for ornamental pumpkins. White (Moonshine) sets the mood for fall activities and the beautiful blue pumpkins (Queensland Blue) have become interior centerpieces for winter. Pumpkins are part of the Cucurbitaceae, gourd family, generally belonging to the Cucurbita pepo, C. maxima, and C. moschata species. Most people are surprised to learn a pumpkin is classified as a fruit.

If you have decided to grow pumpkins next summer, save seeds now from the ones you liked the most. Be selective when saving seeds and look for pumpkins with qualities you desire. If you are purchasing seeds, winter is the best time to buy. Local adapted seeds can give you fine results because the seeds are acclimated to this growing climate. I recommend buying seeds in January to increase your chances of getting your favorites before they run out. Washington State University Extension is a good resource for seed-buying information.

Sugar Pie, Casper, Jack O’ Lantern and Cinderella pumpkins, and Beetlejuice gourds will be available at our donation-based Pumpkin Sale on Oct. 23 from 10 a.m. to noon at Catalyst Park Garden, 799 W Harvard Ave. We are thinking about growing the Queensland Blue pumpkins next year!

Go to mgfmc.org for more information. Our Facebook page has upcoming events: Decorating Gourds and Mason Bees. You can contact our plant clinic for answers to gardening questions.