Spookie Pumpkin (96 Days)

The Spookie Pumpkin is a cross between sugar pie and jack o’ lantern pumpkins, creating a variety great for pie or carving on the porch. The 6 to 10 pound pumpkins are about 7 inches across with a smooth, hard red-orange skin and sweet, thick yellow-orange flesh. Exceptionally high yields of this strong stemmed pumpkin are reported.  15 seeds   PLANTING Cucurbita pepo Germination: 7-10 days Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-90ºF. Planting in soil under 70ºF may result in poor germination. Seed Sowing Depth: ½ -1” deep Starting Indoors:  3-4 weeks before last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cells/pots, thin to strongest seedling. We like to use individual biodegradable paper, peat, or cow pots because it provides the least amount of stress to the roots when transplanting. Transplant after last frost when soil warms to 70ºF. Space 36-48” apart, in rows 48-60” apart.    Sowing Outdoors: After last frost when soil reaches at least 70ºF. Sow 2-3 seeds per space/hill, 36-48” apart, in rows 48-60” apart.  How much does a packet plant: 12-15 foot single row, 4-5 hills  Harvest: When skin turns color and rinds are hard. Leave a few inches of the stem on for best storage potential. Tips: Heavy feeders, requiring high nitrogen. Plant the Spookie Pumpkin into fertile soil or amend with compost or manure. Heavy water needs, mulch and supply adequate water, at least 1” per week for optimum growth.