Pumpkin

Basic Information

Seed Number

79

Seed Name

Pumpkin

Variety

Howden

Category

Vegetable

Plant Family

Cucurbitaceae

Plant Type

Jack-o'-lantern pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)

Planting Method

Direct Sow or Transplant

Seed Status

In Seed Bank

Created

2026-08-14 00:50:34

Updated

2026-08-19 15:35:29

Planting Information

Start Planting Date

Apr 14

Last Recommended Planting Date

Jun 1

Plantable Months

April, May, June

Indoor Start

Apr 14 – Apr 28

Direct Sow

May 19 – Jun 1

Transplant

May 19 – Jun 1

Indoor Start Weeks Before Frost

3 weeks

Transplant Weeks After Frost

2 weeks

Germination Days

5–10 days

Harvest/Maturity

115–120 days from direct seeding

Succession Planting

Not recorded

Growing Conditions

Ideal Soil Temperature

70-90°F

Planting Depth

1 in

Plant Spacing

24-36 in

Row Spacing

6-8 ft

Thin-To Spacing

24-36 in

Sun Requirements

Full sun

Water Needs

1-2 in/week; provide deep, consistent irrigation during flowering and fruit development

Soil Preference

Fertile, well-drained soil rich in organic matter; approximately pH 6.0-6.5

Minimum Container Size

large types best in ground

Plant Height

Vining

Perennial/Biennial Status

Annual

Container Friendly

No

Trellis/Support Needed

No

Frost Tolerant

No

Heat Tolerant

Yes

Drought Tolerant

No

Pollinator Friendly

Yes

Medicinal

No

Garden Uses

Companion Planting

Storage

Seed Source/Brand

MSU Extension; Detroit frost dates; Almanac Detroit

Packet Year

Not recorded

Quantity Notes

Not recorded

Purchase Date

Not recorded

Expiration Year

Not recorded

Storage Box

Not recorded

Container

Not recorded

Envelope

Not recorded

Row

Not recorded

Slot

Not recorded

Storage Notes

Not recorded

Notes

Original Planting Method: Direct sow after frost or start indoors
Outdoor / Direct Sow / Transplant Window: May 20 – Jun 20
Days to Harvest / Bloom: 90–120 days
Container Friendly: Small varieties yes; large types best in ground
Medicinal / Herbal Use: Culinary/ornamental depending on variety
Succession / Reusable Notes: Small pumpkins have the safest timing. Large Jack-o-lantern types need earlier planting.
Zone 6B Notes: Give vines room and water deeply.
Companion Plants: Corn, beans, nasturtiums, marigolds, calendula, sunflowers nearby, radish
Avoid Planting Near / Watch Outs: Potatoes, crowded beds
Sources: MSU Extension: https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/garden_planning_calendar | Detroit frost dates: https://www.ufseeds.com/vegetable-planting-calendar-detroit-michigan.html | Almanac Detroit: https://www.almanac.com/gardening/planting-calendar/MI/Detroit

[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT START]]
Zone 6B: Howden has a relatively long 115-120 day season, so plant promptly after warm conditions arrive in Southeast Michigan. Starting transplants about 3 weeks before planting out can improve the chance of full maturity before October frost.
Germination: Pumpkin seed germinates best in warm soil. Avoid root disturbance and cold, saturated media.
Harvest: Harvest after fruits reach deep orange mature color and rinds resist fingernail pressure. Cut with a stem attached and cure in warm, dry conditions before storage.
Seed Saving: Howden is open-pollinated but is Cucurbita pepo and crosses readily with compatible C. pepo squash and pumpkins. Isolate or hand-pollinate for true seed.
Special Care: Howden is a classic field pumpkin developed for uniform shape, strong handles and carving quality.
Research Source: Johnny's Selected Seeds — https://www.johnnyseeds.com/vegetables/pumpkins/jack-o-lanterns/howden-organic-pumpkin-seed-603G.html — Howden cultivar identity, direct-seeded maturity qualifier and transplant timing
Research Source: Fedco Seeds — https://fedcoseeds.com/seeds/howden-organic-large-pumpkin-1752 — 115-day maturity, annual lifecycle and deep-orange mature fruit
Research Source: Willhite Seed — https://www.willhiteseed.com/0418 — Howden open-pollinated status and approximately 120-day maturity
[[RESEARCH ENRICHMENT END]]