Cinderella Pumpkin Seeds

The traditional French heirloom pumpkin was popular in Paris markets in the 1880s. Originally known as Rouge Vif D’Etampes, translating from French as “bright red from Etampes,” Cinderella Pumpkin got its start in the small town southwest of Paris. The seeds were purchased by W. Atlee Burpee and brought to the United States, where it became better known as Cinderella Pumpkin. It took the name of the popular fairy tale because, as the story goes, the pumpkin turned into the carriage. 

Cinderella pumpkins grow medium to large, 30-40 cm in diameter and weigh anywhere from 8-16 kg. About six fruits will grow on aggressive 3-meter vines. Pronounced ridges cover the smooth rind, giving the pumpkin a distinct, decorative appearance. It ripens from yellow to a ravishing red-orange hue. Beneath the thick skin is a sweet, fibrous flesh. It can take up to 110 days for a festive fall harvest. They can then be stored for winter use for up to five months. 

While it’s a popular ornamental these days, Cinderella is still sought by chefs and gardeners to use in rich soup stocks and pies. Just pop the seeds in the garden when the soil warms and the classic fairytale pumpkin will be ready just in time for your fall decorating and holiday pies!

- Latin Name: Curcubita maxima
- Life Cycle: Annual
- Days to Maturity: 90-110
- 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.