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20 Must-See Types of Pumpkins This Fall
Pumpkins come in all shapes, sizes, colors and textures. Beyond the classic orange, round Halloween pumpkin, there exists a diverse range of varieties to discover. From miniature decorative gourds to 100-pound giants, warty and smooth squashes, and even blue and white species, the pumpkin world contains untold wonders.
Understanding the nuances of different types of pumpkins allows full appreciation of their history, aesthetics, and utilization. Immigrants brought treasured pumpkin heirlooms to America, where breeders propagated them into today’s cornucopia of cucurbit bounty. Each variety carries unique traits for cooking, carving and simply admiring during autumn.
This fall, why not embark on a journey into the abundant kingdom of pumpkins? Below are 20 must-see types to spot at your local patch or nursery. Prepare for fun external quirks coupled with timeless internal quality.
Classic and Beloved Types of Pumpkin Varieties
The common large, round, orange pumpkins seen everywhere during Halloween remain classic favorites thanks to time-honored cooking properties and capability.
Jack-O’-Lantern
No list of types of pumpkin hits is complete without first mentioning the ubiquitous Jack-O’-Lantern. Weighing 10-25 pounds, these familiar gourds greet visitors at front doors, line neighborhood streets, and shine as carved lanterns across America every October. The ribbed, round shape with a deep orange color molds well for etching frightening, funny, or friendly faces. With thick, sweet flesh, Jack-O’-Lantern pumpkins also excel in classic baked goods like pie and bread.
Field Trip F1 Hybrid
The quintessential pick for huge, flawless specimens, the Field Trip F1 Hybrid pumpkin reliably produces uniform, deeply ribbed, bright fruit averaging 15-25 pounds. Known industry-wide for its symmetrical shape and deep color, Field Trip sets the standard for jack-o-lantern perfection. This hybrid grower’s favorite germinates readily in most conditions but requires 110+ frost-free days for ample maturity.
Long Island Cheese
Contrary to its name, Long Island Cheese pumpkin earns fame as a supreme baking variety, not for cheese characteristics. Oblate in form with flattened tops and bottoms, these luminous orange 5-15 pound fruits offer supremely dense, sweet golden flesh with high sugar content. Long Island Cheese pumpkins excel for cooking applications desiring rich, smooth textures like soups, baked goods, and purées.
Exotic and Unusual Types of pumpkins Species
Beyond conventional smart-looking orange globes lives an exotic world of uniquely shaped and colored curiosities. Explore tropical visions and surprises from the pumpkin patch.
Turban Squash
As the name implies, Turban Squash folds brilliant hues of orange and green into elaborate, twisted peaks resembling an ethnic head wrap. Also known as French turban, this exotic pumpkin species encapsulates generally sweet, slightly nutty flesh comparable to buttercup squash when baked or simmered into dishes. The eye-catching 7-10 inch caps make stunning harvest decorations as well.
Jarrahdale
Initially from Australia, the blue-green Jarrahdale first drew interest for its ghostly color. Though juicy orange flesh lies within, the blue slate skin holds unexpected decorative potential. Interiors frequently display more brilliance in baking applications too. Jarrahdale’s moderate five-pound size also suits porch décor and indoor nooks nicely.
Rouge Vif D’Etampes
Also called Cinderella pumpkin, Rouge Vif D’Etampes dates back to 19th century France. Prized for its vibrant scarlet hue, flattened shape, and rich flavor profile, these red-orange fruits typically weigh 3-5 pounds. Rouge Vif D’Etampes adds warm color to seasonal décor and cuisine, ideal for festive ornamentation and excellent for baking. Type of pumpkin varieties don’t come more classic.
Miniature and Decorative types of pumpkins
Some types roll small for pint-sized appeal—miniature pumpkins charm with their diminutive stature and frequent ornateness. Born as perfect single-serving jack-o-lanterns or as clusters of sweet décor, these special pumpkins squeeze big allure into petite packages.
Baby Boo
Amassed alongside gourds and ornamentals for fall flare, Baby Boo mini white pumpkins shine clean simplicity. Their ghostly white skin and petite round shape spanning 3-5 inches in diameter inject fresh contrast against conventional orange. Baby Boo’s mild sweetness also suits baking or roasting as individual edible ornaments.
Jack-Be-Little
A longstanding micro-sized variety, Jack-Be-Little types of pumpkins truly exemplify “little.” Compared to larger counterparts, these cute ribbed mini-pumpkins often stay under a pound even fully mature, with many hovering around a baseball-sized three or four inches across. Their bright orange exterior and moderate flesh sweetness still allow ornamental and edible versatility, however.
Warty Goblin F1 Hybrid
Warty Goblin lives up to its haunting name in a unique texture. Quite small at a pound or two each, Warty Goblin displays an orange skin surface convoluted with wart-like bumps and crevices spanning its squat round form. Besides standalone funky appeal, Warty Goblin mini pumpkins work great for adding abnormal interest mixed with standard smooth types or other peculiar gourd companions.
Specialty and Heirloom types of pumpkins
Savory shapes and historic legacies define intriguing specialty and heirloom types lending rich personality to autumn festivities.
Fairytale
Aptly dubbed, Fairytale pumpkins manifest stout, bulbous bases tapering upwards into classically angled pointed orange caps. The striking profile resembling an oversized Cinderella carriage measures 7-15 inches in height and width at maturity. Fairytale’s moderately sweet, firm golden flesh adapts well baked or in soups to celebrate the season like a storybook fantasy.
Galeux D’Eysines
Preserved for centuries by French monks, the bizarre Galeux D’Eysines pumpkin remains highly coveted for its gnarled salmon-pink exterior blanketed in peanut shell-like warty nubs. The odd ten-pound fruits split open orange with dense, sugary pulp prized for pies, soups, and roasted veggie medleys.
Black Futsu
Imported generations ago directly from Japan, the obscure Black Futsu gains intrigue for its small flattened shape and dark green skin ripening to subdued yellow-orange later in the season. Its extra sweet, stringless flesh often containing few seeds makes for excellent roasted side dishes and rich homemade pumpkin puree.
Large and Giant types of Pumpkin Varieties
While mini pumpkins captivate with tininess, giants grab attention by awesome mass alone. Specifically cultivated varieties astound yearly by reaching record-breaking proportions over 100 pounds.
Atlantic Giant
As a current heavyweight champion of giant pumpkins, Atlantic Giant holds multiple world records above 2600 pounds thanks partly to its jumbo genes and Nova Scotian origins. Even non-competition growers can achieve 200-500+ pound fruits using optimal open pollination, ample space, sunlight, and nutrient soil. Vines also spread extensively, so allow at least 100 square feet per Atlantic Giant plant.
Big Max
Big Max keeps its promise pumping out barnacle-shaped squash often cresting 200 pounds under ideal conditions. This proven Japanese import manages heft with shorter vines than the Atlantic Giant but still demands ample room for spreading circumference. Chosen for size rather than taste, its large seeds and pulpy flesh work well roasted, baked, or in large-batch soup recipes.
Colorful and Unique types of pumpkins
Venture beyond basic orange to uncover a spectrum of vibrant exterior hues lighting up patch displays. Shades signal unique flavonoid content and patterns alike.
Cotton Candy
As the title foretells, bite into Cotton Candy’s extra-sweet dense yellow-orange flesh resembling its spun sugary namesake. The squat 12+ inch fruits outwardly glow a warm light pink tone with occasional green zigzag striping. Cotton Candy’s stellar sugar levels and smooth texture excel for pies, soups, or steaming and mashing as a side dish.
One Too Many
Recalling post-party regret, One Too Many Pumpkin had a few drinks too many, judging by its freakishly stacked, lopsided form. The chaotic ridges, bumps, and grooves twisting its stunted frame make for superb decorative oddity. Despite external madness, One Too Many’s inner flesh cooks and tastes similar to carving pumpkins so feel free to bake your cockeyed pies if desired!
When selecting and growing pumpkins, what should you look for? What are the ideal uses for different types? Below are answers to some frequently asked questions on discovering and appreciating the diverse world of this iconic autumn fruit.
Frequently Asked Questions on types of pumpkins
Here are 5 additional FAQs related to the article on discovering different types of pumpkins:
1. What is the difference between carving pumpkins and pie pumpkins?
Carving pumpkins tend to be larger with thicker walls and more stringy flesh. Pie pumpkins are typically smaller, sweeter, less stringy, and have thicker flesh that’s better for baking. Some heirloom varieties can serve double duty.
2. How do I know if decorative gourds are edible?
Many decorative gourds are inedible and grown more for ornamental use. Check variety descriptions to see if a type specifies culinary use. When in doubt, stick to classic edible kinds like acorn and buttercup squash.
3. How long do pumpkins last after picking?
Most varieties will last 8-12 weeks after picking if kept in cool, dry storage above 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Carved jack-o-lanterns or cut pumpkins will only last about 5-7 days before molding due to moisture loss.
4. Can pumpkins cross-pollinate in my garden?
Yes. If growing multiple varieties in proximity, cross-pollination between plants can yield hybridized pumpkins with blended traits. Isolate plants at least 500 ft apart for pure seed saving.
5. Why are some pumpkins and gourds warty or bumpy?
Warts and bumps on pumpkins form from natural plastic-like compounds on the skin’s surface. They serve no disease or quality purpose. Certain varieties selectively breed wart development for visual novelty. Unique texture adds decorative charm.
