Grow the famous Jack O’Lantern pumpkin from seed! Pumpkins measure 12–16 inches with a deep orange skin. Each seed can produce three to five pumpkins, with each pumpkin weighing 10–24 pounds.
Jack O’Lantern pumpkins make a delicious pie! They are also the most popular variety for carving during the autumn and Halloween season.
Pumpkins thrive in the heat of summer with an average daily temperature of 70°F to 95°F, for best results. When growing pumpkins, make sure to water the plants at the roots to prevent disease and mildew. Fertilize every two weeks with a 10-5-10 solution once sprouts receive their true leaves. Provide an ample amount of space and place straw under the fruits to prevent premature rotting by preventing the area from staying too wet.
To harvest Jack O’Lantern pumpkins, look for a deep, solid orange color and a hard rind that doesn't dent under pressure. Cut the pumpkin from the vine with sharp pruners, leaving 3–4 inches of stem attached, and harvest before the first hard frost.
Harvest an excellent pumpkin from the vine and store indoors, allowing it to sit for at least three to six weeks up to several months. Slice open and use a spoon to scoop out seeds. Wash seeds to remove flesh and strings. Cure the seeds by laying them out in a single layer on a paper towel to dry. Store them in a place that is dry and out of direct sunlight for up to six years.