Howden Pumpkin Seeds

Cucurbita pepo

When you see the perfect carving pumpkin for sale, it's probably 'Howden', developed in the 1970s by John Howden in Massachusetts as the ideal decorative pumpkin. John's son, Bruce, carries on the family tradition so you can grow your own! These bright orange pumpkins have strong handles, thick walls, and defined ribs that add to its characteristic Halloween look. Each plant produces 1–2, 18–22 pound pumpkins on long vines.

$4.49 ~12 seeds
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Features

Family

Cucurbitaceae

Native

Southern United States and Mexico

Life Cycle

Life Cycle

Annual

Plant Height

Plant Height

Vine

Further Information

Growing Conditions

Growing Conditions

Frost Sensitive

About Pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo

Fruits are 12"–16" round and average 18–22 lbs. with medium-grained, pale orange flesh. 1–2 fruits per plant.

Planting Pumpkin

Plant Spacing

2–3 seeds per mound

Light Required

Light Required

Full sun

Plant Height

Plant Height

Vine

Planting Depth

Planting Depth

1"

Coverage & Planting Details

Coverage This packet sows up to 6 mounds.
Row Spacing 4'–6' apart
Seed Depth 1"
Seed Spacing 2–3 seeds per mound
Thinning When several leaves, thin to 1 –2 per mound
Germination 7–14 days
Start Indoors Not recommended except in very short growing seasons, 2 to 4 weeks before your average last frost date. Sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly in the ground. Transplant after your average last frost date, when weather is warm and settled.
Direct Sow RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks after your average last frost date, and when soil temperature is 70°–90°F.
Growing & Harvesting Harvest pumpkins before the first fall frost, and when foliage has begun to dry out. Cut stem with a knife, leaving 3"–4" of stem on the pumpkin. Do not hold the pumpkin by the stem; if stem attachment gets broken, or any part of the pumpkin bruises, the pumpkin may rot. Brush off any dirt or leaves. Ideally, cure at 80°-85°F and 80–85% humidity or a warm, sunny spot with good air circulation for 1 to 2 weeks before eating or storage. Do not allow harvested fruit to get wet.

Find Your Frost Date & Grow Zone

5.0
Rated 5.0 out of 5 stars
Based on 5 reviews
Total 5 star reviews: 5 Total 4 star reviews: 0 Total 3 star reviews: 0 Total 2 star reviews: 0 Total 1 star reviews: 0
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Rating
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5 reviews
  • Ashlie N.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    2/17/25
    5 Stars

    I wanted to do another review of these to show how great they turned out!! In the first photo, the pumpkin grew into the retention wall & it formed that face on its own. Very excited to grow more this year :D

  • Melissa M.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    12/31/24
    5 Stars

    First time growing pumpkins this fall. We had 7 total! 5 Howden and 2 Cinderella. Grew in a small space too. It was very fun.

  • Ashlie N.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6/21/24
    5 Stars

    First time growing pumpkins & these are 10/10 so far! I had 100% germ rate & I swear those leaves doubled in size overnight 🤭👍🏼

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Beginner
  • Annabelle B.
    Verified Buyer
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    6/18/24
    5 Stars

    First time trying this variety. Germination took a little longer than I expected, so I kept reseeding my mounds thinking the squirrels were eating the seeds, only 3 weeks later to find them all germinated 😂 Time to thin haha.

    Which best describes you as a gardener? Intermediate
  • Holly W.
    Rated 5 out of 5 stars
    9/29/23
    5 Stars

    I am so excited to grow these pumpkins! I have never grown them before.

    I’ve harvested 5 with 3 still growing in the garden. They’ve ranged from 14 to 25 lbs!

    I had to remove squash bugs from the stems but I mastered it! All it took was 99% rubbing alcohol and a pair of tweezers. Being a newbie to pumpkins, I’ll know better next year to make sure the stems are completely covered with soil to prevent the infestation.

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