Pumpkin Jarrahdale

Pumpkin Jarrahdale Pumpkin - Cucurbita Maxima

This heirloom variety produces beautiful, pale grey-blue pumpkins, 25-35cm in diameter, weighing 3-6kg each. Expect 3-5 pumpkins per vine. The plants themselves are relatively compact, growing only 30-60cm tall but spreading 3-5 meters. The stringless, orange flesh of the Blue Jarrahdale is perfect for pies and other culinary uses.

Health Benefits:

Pumpkins are packed with nutrients, including beta-carotene (which your body converts to vitamin A), making them great for eyesight. They also contribute to healthy skin, a strong immune system, and weight management.

Growing Instructions:

• Outdoor Sowing: Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost. Plant 2-3 seeds together in groups, spacing them at least 3 meters apart. Cover seeds lightly with soil.
• Indoor Starting (Optional): For an earlier harvest, start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last expected frost. Use jiffy pots to minimize root disturbance during transplanting. Sow 2 seeds per pot and don't thin them out. Keep the pots moist.
• Germination: Seeds germinate best at 22°C (72°F) and typically take 7-10 days.
• Watering: Pumpkins need plenty of water for optimal growth and size.
• Harvesting: Pumpkins are ripe when the stem turns dark green and starts to wither. Harvest before the first autumn frost, once the foliage begins to dry out. Cut the stem with a knife, leaving 7-10cm (3-4 inches) attached to the pumpkin. Important: Never carry a pumpkin by the stem, as this can cause damage and lead to rot. Keep harvested pumpkins dry.