Howden Pumpkin Seeds
Grow Classic, Giant Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkins
Bring autumn tradition to your garden with Howden Pumpkin Seeds. Famous for their large size, bright orange color, and sturdy handles, Howden pumpkins are one of the most popular heirloom-style carving pumpkins grown by home gardeners and market growers alike. These dependable pumpkins produce uniform fruit perfect for fall decorating, carving, baking, and roadside displays.
History of Howden Pumpkins
Developed by John Howden in the 1960s, the Howden pumpkin quickly became a favorite for Halloween carving thanks to its strong stems, uniform shape, and deep orange color. It was bred to improve the classic Connecticut Field pumpkin by offering thicker flesh, better handles, and more consistent fruit size. Today, Howden pumpkins remain a trusted garden favorite for fall harvests and festive displays.
Plant Profile
-
Days to Maturity: 110–115 days
-
Fruit Size: Typically 20–30 pounds
-
Plant Size: Long vigorous vines spreading 10–15 feet
-
Shape: Round to slightly oblong
-
Color: Deep bright orange with strong ribbing
Flavor Profile
Howden pumpkins have mild, slightly sweet flesh with a classic pumpkin flavor. While best known for carving and decoration, the thick flesh can also be used in pies, soups, roasted pumpkin dishes, and homemade puree.
Growth Type & Harvest Yields
- Vigorous vining pumpkin variety
- Produces 2–4 large pumpkins per plant under ideal conditions
- Excellent uniformity for home gardens, fall markets, and pumpkin patches
- Strong stems help support heavy fruit and improve display quality
Disease Resistance
Howden pumpkins show good field performance and strong vigor. Proper spacing and crop rotation help reduce common pumpkin diseases such as:
- Powdery mildew
- Downy mildew
- Bacterial wilt
- Squash vine borers
Growing Tips & Planting Dimensions
- Plant in full sun with rich, fertile, well-drained soil
- Plant seeds 1 inch deep; space hills 4–6 feet apart with 8–12 feet between rows
- Keep soil consistently moist during fruit development
- Add compost or aged manure before planting; mulch to conserve moisture
- Use balanced fertilizer early; switch to phosphorus and potassium-rich feeding during fruit set
When to Plant
Howden pumpkins can be direct sown or started indoors depending on your season length.
-
Direct sow outdoors after all frost danger has passed and soil temperatures are consistently above 60°F.
-
In cooler or short-season climates, start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before your last frost date in biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance at transplant.
- Pumpkins need a long growing season — plan your timing carefully based on your first fall frost date.
General guide by zone:
-
Zones 3–5: Start indoors 3–4 weeks before last frost; direct sow as soon as soil warms
-
Zones 6–7: Direct sow after last frost or start indoors 2–3 weeks before
-
Zones 8–10: Direct sow in spring; consider a fall planting for harvest before first frost
Find your USDA hardiness zone and frost dates at planthardiness.ars.usda.gov
Good Companion Plants & Mutual Benefits
- Corn — Provides partial shade for roots and helps retain soil moisture
- Nasturtiums — Help attract pollinators while discouraging squash pests
- Marigolds — May deter harmful nematodes and unwanted insects
- Beans — Help improve soil nitrogen levels, supporting vigorous vine growth
- Radishes — Can help deter squash borers and cucumber beetles
How to Enjoy Howden Pumpkins
- Create classic jack-o'-lanterns
- Decorate porches and fall displays
- Roast pumpkin seeds for snacks
- Make homemade pumpkin puree
- Use in soups, breads, pies, and baked dishes
Why Gardeners Love Howden Pumpkins
- Large traditional Halloween pumpkins
- Bright orange color with sturdy handles
- Excellent carving quality
- Reliable yields and vigorous vines
- Great for gardens, markets, and family fun
Harvest Tips
Harvest pumpkins when:
- Rinds turn deep orange
- Skins become hard and resist fingernail pressure
- Vines begin drying back
Cut pumpkins from the vine with several inches of stem attached to improve storage life. Cure pumpkins in a warm, dry location for 7–10 days before storing.
Order Today
Grow your own classic fall harvest with premium Howden Pumpkin Seeds from Garden Heirloom Seeds. Perfect for carving, decorating, baking, and creating unforgettable autumn memories.
