pumpkins

[stocko75]

i would like to grow a couple of pumpkins for my daughter,is it too late and could anybody recommend a good variety?

[stocko75]

[allaboutliverpool]

If you want size, Atlantic Giant is your choice. Get the seeds in now and by 31st Oct you will have a pumpkin. Be warned they are big plants that take up a lot of room.

I grew mine for my daughter last year, see the result on:-

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_Pumpkin.html

[stocko75]

thanks!!!i remember i watched your videos on you tube when i first joined a4a!!

[stocko75]

i don't think i have the room for the atlantic!! any others u recommend

[allaboutliverpool]

Have a look on the Pumpkins forum on this site, there are many smaller varieties about.

[Jeannine]

How small do you want to go. I have many varieties  from tennis ball sized onwards up to DillsAt. Giants,give me an idea and I can suggest a variety for you. You do have time to sow and grow.XX Jeannine

[emmy1978]

Hiya. Jeannine sent me some lovely seeds a little while ago. I have some of her pumpkin 'sugar pie' spare if you'd like some. Pm me your addy and I'll pop them in the post. I also have some Aladdin F1 which are only good for carving.  ;D

[stocko75]

hi jeannine hard to give size!! maybe about 1 and a half basketballs???!!!! just a bit bigger than normal supermarket ones and something that doesnt take over the plot!!

[stocko75]

hi emmy i have sent u a pm thanks for the kind offer.

[finchy]

If you want size, Atlantic Giant is your choice. Get the seeds in now and by 31st Oct you will have a pumpkin. Be warned they are big plants that take up a lot of room.

I grew mine for my daughter last year, see the result on:-

http://www.allaboutliverpool.com/allaboutallotments_Vegetables_Pumpkin.html

Do the Atlantic Giants really taste that bad? You cant eat them in any form?

[Jeannine]

I wouldn't eat an an Atlantic,a Hundredweight or a  Howden or in fact most of the really big ones they have no taste at all compared to some others, in my opinion they are only for show, and if you burn  candle in them you can't eat the flesh after anyway. I always grow a few along with the pure white ones and the Cinderellas for the kids  but never treat them as food.

I know some one will not agree, but that is my feeling, I grow other pumpkins bred especially for flavour if I want traditional pumkin pie and of course grow many other squash too.

XX Jeannine

[Froglegs]

What about Bigmax Jeannine would you class that as an eater or just for show  ???

[Jeannine]

Just for show

[saddad]

We use the flesh for a pumpkin and parsnip soup... but it is very highly spiced...
Much prefer Crown Prince or Etampes for table use!
;D

[antipodes]

This is purely IMHO, but the type of pumpkin I prefer for eating is a potimarron, the dark orange roundish ones, grow to the size of a head abouts! They have superb flesh, very nutty creamy flavour, although I am led to believe that they don't keep as well as some others? I have had some that I have bought and kept for a few weeks and they were fine.
Depends on whether you are talking Jack o'lantern type pumpkin or something you want your little girl to actually eat! My kiddies love pumpkin soup and roast pieces too.

[amphibian]

This is purely IMHO, but the type of pumpkin I prefer for eating is a potimarron, the dark orange roundish ones, grow to the size of a head abouts! They have superb flesh, very nutty creamy flavour, although I am led to believe that they don't keep as well as some others? I have had some that I have bought and kept for a few weeks and they were fine.
Depends on whether you are talking Jack o'lantern type pumpkin or something you want your little girl to actually eat! My kiddies love pumpkin soup and roast pieces too.

Also known as a Kutchikuri and red kury/kuri. Amazing pumpkin, my favourite too, along with the delicious Black Futsu. I roast them whole, filled with cream and cheese, delicious but stupidly filling.

[Tora]

I personally wouldn't grow big 'show' pumpkins. Space is limited at my plot so I grow only edible stuff. This year I'm growing several kinds of winter squashes and a few mini pumpkins, which are supposed to be nice to eat.

I'm having a real difficulty getting Uchiki Kuri germinate! Every seed I sow rots.
I'd love to taste Uchiki Kuri but it would seem I will not be able to this year. :-\

Black Futsu: What is the flavour and texture like? It's on my 'to grow' list. Is it from Japan?

[amphibian]

I personally wouldn't grow big 'show' pumpkins. Space is limited at my plot so I grow only edible stuff. This year I'm growing several kinds of winter squashes and a few mini pumpkins, which are supposed to be nice to eat.

I'm having a real difficulty getting Uchiki Kuri germinate! Every seed I sow rots.
I'd love to taste Uchiki Kuri but it would seem I will not be able to this year. :-\

Black Futsu: What is the flavour and texture like? It's on my 'to grow' list. Is it from Japan?

I have to admit that I always get poor germination rates on Kuri, what I do is pregerminate them in damp kitchen paper.

Black Futsu is a very strong sweet flavoured pumpkin, similar to Kuri, but with a less smooth flesh, the taste is beautiful; I think they are Japanese.

[Jeannine]

Germinate your Kuri in damp not wet potting soil and start it in the airing cupboard if you have one, if it is rotting it is probably too wet and if cold too will rot. If you have no airing cupboard plant 1 to a 3 inch pot and put the pot in a sealed plastic bag and leave in a warm room.

XX Jeannine

[Tora]

Thanks amphibian and Jeannine. I tried chitting Uchiki Kuri but they all grew mould and never germinated (other squashes germinated fine). I wonder if it needs a warmer temperature than other varieties? I am going to use a propagator this time.

Black Futsu sounds delicious! :P I'll definitely grow it next year. I think my plot is going to be full of squashes next year... Somebody should have warned me growing squashes (or collecting squash seeds) is addictive! :D