Fairytale Pumpkin Seeds

With deep, pronounced lobes and glossy clay-coloured skin splashed with green highlights, Fairytale pumpkin certainly lives up to its name. Also known as Musquee de Provence, it was developed in the south of France and first arrived in the United States in 1899 via Vaughan’s Seed Store of Chicago. 

The massive plant produces large leaves, long vines and when planted in rich soil, an excess of enchanting pumpkins. They will reach peak ripeness in 120 days, weighing 7-9 kg. They are said to be the finest of all pumpkins for baking and cooking by many growers. On top of that, it’s one of the very few pumpkins that can be enjoyed raw. The sweet, meaty flesh is comparable to cantaloupe. If that wasn’t enough, Fairytale Pumpkin keeps for nine months or more. 

In Provence, France, the spicy, sweet musk wafts through markets as it’s sold by the slice and indulged fresh on the spot. This truly magical pumpkin looks like it belongs in a storybook with a flavour fit for a happy ending. 

- Latin Name: Curcubita pepo
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 110
- Planting Depth: 2 cm
- Plant Spacing: 90 cm
- Row Spacing: 1.5-2 m
- Growth Habit: Vine

GROWING INSTRUCTIONS

Pumpkins are the quintessential, if unofficial, icon of autumn. Not only are they the embodiment of the fall, pumpkins are supremely nutritious and can be used in a number of ways. But to have a successful fall crop, vines and fruit must have long, hot seasons with space to spread out.

Sow seeds directly when soil temperatures reach 21°C. Pumpkins won’t tolerate cold. Pick a site with full sun and mix in plenty of compost ahead of planting. The bed should be of rich and well-drained soil, as pumpkins are heavy feeders. Seeds can be planted into small mounds, where the soil will stay warmer and drain well. Plant 4-5 seeds/mound 3 cm deep. Leave 1-2.5 m between mounds. With temperate soil, seeds should germinate in about a week.

When sprouts are 5-8 cm tall, thin to 2 or 3 vines per mound. Pumpkins will require a bit of water, at least 3 cm/week, and more when fruiting. Mulch around the plants to retain water and protect the shallow roots. Be careful not to harm roots when weeding or cultivating. Pruning and pinching the ends of vines are good strategies to concentrate energy into set fruit.

Choose a dry day to harvest. Pumpkins will store best when harvested fully mature. When fruit is deep orange and the skin is thick and firm, use a pair of clippers to cut the pumpkin from the vine. Leave a long stem to increase shelf life. Cure pumpkins for a couple weeks under the sun. After curing, store in a cool dry place, somewhere around 10°C.

Whether you want a canvas to carve spooky faces or bake homemade pies for Thanksgiving, make space for pumpkins in your home garden.

QUICK FACTS

- Native to North America, pumpkins are one of the oldest domesticated plants, having been cultivated as early as 7,500 BC.

- Pumpkin is a popular Halloween and Thanksgiving staple, and a traditional part of the fall harvest.

- Pumpkin seeds will remain viable for 4 years if stored in a cool, dark place, ideally between 4 and 10⁰C. After that, the germination rate may start to go down.