Seminole Pumpkins are a Florida native variety grown by Native American tribes for hundreds of years.
The shapes and sizes can vary. Some look like a traditional pumpkin, others can resemble a gourd "tear drop" shape, and other shapes resembling a butternut squash.
Seminole Pumpkin is prized for it's heat tolerance and pest resistance. From seed to harvest, Seminole pumpkins take 90 to 130 days to mature.
Planting Seminole Pumpkin Seeds
Direct sow: Plant seeds after your last frost date when soil is warm.
Indoor sow: Plant seeds 2 weeks before your last frost date and transplant within 3 weeks.
Plant seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep. Pumpkins do well in "mounds" of well amended soil (compost, worm castings, aged manure, coconut coir). Plant in a spot that receives plenty of sun and will receive plenty of water.
From UF, The Seminole people gave the name "Chassahowitza" to a region on the gulf in Southwest Florida. The name means "pumpkin hanging place."
Seminole Pumpkin plants can climb up trees, fences and trellis. If grown on the ground, Seminole Pumpkin plants can easily grow 25 feet long.
Companion Plants for Pumpkins
Pumpkin pals are corn, melon and squash. Marigold deters beetles. Nasturtium deters bugs, beetles. Oregano provides general pest protection. Dill may help repel those frustrating squash bugs.
Seminole Pumpkin Plant Care
Pumpkins require pollination of the female flowers to produce fruit. It is recommended to encourage pollinators to your garden by planting flowers nearby. Nasturtiums, Marigolds and Sunflowers are easy to grow and will attract a variety of pollinators to your garden.
Seminole Pumpkins are naturally adapted to HOT, humid climates but require plenty of water. If you are growing in an arid climate, you will need to water regularly.
If you have struggled with pests in your pumpkin patch, I highly recommend trying Seminole Pumpkin. While not completely immune to pests, this variety seems to be more pest tolerant.
Harvesting Seminole Pumpkins
Growing pumpkins takes a bit of patience. Depending on your region, Seminole pumpkins can take up to 130 days to fully mature.
Once the Seminole pumpkins are mostly orange in color, they are ready to harvest. If stored in a cool, well-ventilated area, the pumpkins can last anywhere between six to twelve months with no effect on the taste or quality.
During our Food Storage Prepping in the garden series we discussed Pumpkins!
2 comments
I grew this for the first time. I’m on a learning curve since moving to a subtropical climate. Let’s just say this plant is a survivor. My biggest curiosity is all but one of my flowers have been male! (I learned the difference) I have two plants. Is there any way to promote female flowers? Lol
Was gifted a beautiful seminole pumpkin from farmer friends a couple of months ago…..Sat for a while….Finally got around to roasting it yesterday…..OMG!!!!! My all time favorite pumpkin/squash ever….
Found your very informative article today…Thanks.
Peace and courage,
Shari