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Cucurbita maxima
Atlantic Giant is the legendary giant Pumpkin grown by gardeners around the world in pursuit of truly enormous fruit. Famous for producing exhibition-sized pumpkins and forming the genetic foundation of many record-breaking giants, this is the variety to grow when ordinary pumpkins simply aren’t ambitious enough.
The huge fruits develop pale orange to reddish-orange skin and, with plenty of space, water and nutrition, can reach extraordinary weights. While Atlantic Giant is edible, eating quality is not its greatest strength. The flesh tends to be less sweet and fine-textured than varieties bred specifically for the kitchen, although surplus fruit can be cooked or used as stock feed.
Atlantic Giant was developed by Canadian grower Howard Dill from giant Cucurbita maxima genetics, with decades of selection for increasingly large fruit. It became the benchmark variety for competitive giant-pumpkin growing and remains closely associated with pumpkin-growing competitions around the world.
Plants are vigorous, sprawling vines requiring considerable room. For gardeners chasing maximum size, fruit are usually thinned so the plant directs its resources into just one or two pumpkins. For everyone else, it is simply a spectacular and entertaining pumpkin to grow, particularly with children.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Cucurbita maxima includes some of the largest-fruited members of the pumpkin family as well as many familiar eating and storage varieties.
Seed count: approximately 2 seeds/g
Approximately 6 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to early summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Choose a position in full sun with deep, fertile, well-drained soil and plenty of room for the vigorous vines to spread. Allow at least 2–3 m between plants, with considerably more space beneficial when growing for maximum fruit size.
Keep plants consistently watered, particularly during flowering and rapid fruit development, but avoid regularly wetting the foliage where possible.
For exhibition-sized pumpkins, select a well-positioned developing fruit and remove competing fruit so the vine can concentrate its energy. Provide a dry surface beneath the developing pumpkin and take care not to damage the stem as the fruit expands.
Harvest once the fruit has fully matured and the stem has hardened. Cut with a generous section of stem attached rather than lifting the pumpkin by its stalk.
Maturity: approximately 120 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Baby Blue is an attractive small to medium-sized Pumpkin producing beautifully ribbed fruit with distinctive blue-grey skin. Inside, the dense orange flesh is fine textured, sweet and richly flavoured, making this an excellent culinary pumpkin in a particularly manageable size.
The firm flesh is superb roasted, where its natural sweetness becomes more concentrated, and is equally good in soups, curries, baking and smooth purées. Its dense texture also makes it useful for recipes where a pumpkin with less watery flesh is preferred.
Plants are vigorous and productive, producing attractive, relatively uniform fruits. Baby Blue combines excellent eating quality with good storage potential, making it a useful choice for gardeners who want the flavour and keeping qualities of a larger Cucurbita maxima pumpkin without oversized fruit.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Cucurbita maxima includes an extraordinary diversity of pumpkins, from compact culinary varieties to enormous exhibition types, with many prized for their dense flesh, sweetness and ability to store through winter.
Baby Blue performs best in warm conditions with plenty of sunlight, fertile soil and room for its vines to spread. Mature fruits have good keeping quality when harvested fully ripe and properly cured.
Seed count: approximately 5 seeds/g
Approximately 8 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and provide plenty of additional room for the vigorous vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development, watering deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest once the fruits have developed their full blue-grey colour, the skin has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut pumpkins from the vine with a generous section of stem attached rather than lifting them by the stalk.
For longer storage, cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before moving them to a cool, dry storage area.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Big Max is a classic giant Pumpkin producing enormous, almost round fruits with red-orange skin and yellow-orange flesh. Fruits may flatten slightly where they rest on the ground and develop a somewhat rough surface as they mature, giving them the unmistakable appearance of an oversized traditional pumpkin.
Grown primarily for its impressive size, Big Max is a favourite for exhibitions, giant-pumpkin competitions and spectacular Halloween carving. Under excellent conditions fruits can reach extraordinary proportions, with specimens historically reported at more than 200 kg.
Unlike some pumpkins selected purely for exhibition size, Big Max also has useful edible flesh. The yellow-orange flesh can be roasted or used in soups and baking and is particularly suited to pies and other sweet pumpkin recipes. For the best culinary quality, smaller and moderately sized fruits are generally preferable to those pushed to extreme exhibition size.
Big Max is an old American giant-pumpkin variety that became popular with home gardeners during the 20th century. While modern competitive giants are now dominated by Atlantic Giant genetics, Big Max remains a favourite for gardeners wanting very large, colourful pumpkins without the intensive cultivation associated with record-breaking exhibition varieties.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Cucurbita maxima includes an extraordinary range of forms, from richly flavoured culinary pumpkins to some of the largest fruits produced by any cultivated plant.
Approximately 8 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in deep, fertile, well-drained soil and allow considerable room for the vigorous vines to spread. Space plants approximately 2 m apart, with additional room beneficial when growing for exceptionally large fruit.
Maintain consistent moisture during active growth and particularly while fruits are rapidly expanding. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
For exhibition-sized pumpkins, select one or two well-positioned young fruits and remove competing fruit so the plant can direct more energy into their development. Place a dry board, tile or thick layer of straw beneath developing pumpkins to keep them off damp soil.
Harvest once the skin has developed its mature red-orange colour and hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.
Maturity: approximately 110–120 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita moschata
Black J.A.P, now commonly referred to as Black Kent, is a dark-skinned heirloom Pumpkin prized for its dense orange flesh, exceptionally rich flavour and excellent keeping qualities. Fruits are medium to large with deep green to almost black skin, often marked with lighter patches or subtle striping.
The flesh is sweet, fine textured and relatively dry, making this an outstanding all-purpose eating pumpkin. It is particularly good roasted, where the flesh becomes rich and caramelised, and is equally suited to soups, curries, baking, mashing and other savoury dishes.
Black J.A.P belongs to the broader group of pumpkins traditionally known in Australia as Jap pumpkins and now commonly sold as Kent. The name “Jap” is an old Australian varietal name believed to relate to the pumpkin's association with Japanese or kabocha-type pumpkins. Kent has increasingly become the preferred name in contemporary Australian horticulture and retail.
As a Cucurbita moschata, Black Kent thrives in warm conditions and vigorous vines require plenty of room to spread. This species also tends to perform particularly well in warmer and more humid climates compared with many Cucurbita maxima varieties.
One of Black Kent's great strengths is its storage life. Allow fruits to mature completely on the vine and cure them properly after harvest, and they can remain in excellent condition for several months.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. Cucurbita moschata includes many important warm-climate pumpkins and squashes, including butternut types, and is particularly valued for flavour, productivity and storage.
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and provide plenty of additional room for the vigorous vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest when the rind has developed its mature dark colouring, the skin is too hard to easily mark with a fingernail and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.
Cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before moving them to a cool, dry storage area. Properly matured and cured fruits can store for several months.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita moschata
Blanc du Maroc is a distinctive Moroccan heirloom Pumpkin producing handsome medium-sized fruits with smooth, creamy green-white skin and subtle ribbing. The fruits have an unusual acorn-like shape and dense orange flesh, combining striking ornamental qualities with excellent eating.
The flesh is sweet, firm and richly coloured, making it particularly good for roasting and baking. It can also be used in soups, curries, stews and purées, where its dense texture and natural sweetness work especially well.
Originating in Morocco, Blanc du Maroc forms part of a long tradition of pumpkin and squash cultivation across North Africa. Cucurbita moschata varieties are particularly well adapted to warm growing conditions and are valued in many regions for their productivity, culinary versatility and ability to cope with heat.
Plants are vigorous, sprawling vines capable of extending several metres. Their large, lobed leaves provide substantial ground cover, helping shade the soil and suppress weeds. Large yellow flowers appear along the vines and are highly attractive to bees and other pollinating insects.
Blanc du Maroc thrives in warm weather and full sun. Although the vines require considerable space when allowed to ramble, they can also be trained onto a suitably strong structure where garden space is limited.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Cucurbita moschata includes many important warm-climate pumpkins and squashes and is particularly valued for its adaptability, flavour and keeping qualities.
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and provide plenty of additional space for the vigorous vines to spread. If trellising, use a strong structure capable of supporting both the vines and developing fruit.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest when the fruits have developed their mature creamy green-white colour, the skin has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.
Cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before storing.
Maturity: approximately 90–100 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Crown Prince, also known as Whangaparāoa Crown, is a prized New Zealand heirloom originating from Whangaparāoa Bay. It produces attractive medium to large fruits with hard blue-grey skin, a small seed cavity and dense, deep orange flesh. The flesh is dry, exceptionally sweet and rich in flavour, making it ideal for roasting, soups and baking. An outstanding keeper, Crown Prince stores for many months after harvest while its flavour continues to develop.
Approximately 4–6 seeds per gram
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August (dry season)
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to December
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 20–30 mm deep into well-drained, fertile soil in full sun after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in mounds or rows, spacing plants 1–1.5 m apart with 2–3 m between rows. Keep well watered during flowering and fruit development, and harvest once the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cure fruit in a warm, airy place for 10–14 days before storing to maximise keeping quality.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Crown Prince, also known as Whangaparāoa Crown, is a prized New Zealand heirloom originating from Whangaparāoa Bay. It produces attractive medium to large fruits with hard blue-grey skin, a small seed cavity and dense, deep orange flesh. The flesh is dry, exceptionally sweet and rich in flavour, making it ideal for roasting, soups and baking. An outstanding keeper, Crown Prince stores for many months after harvest while its flavour continues to develop.
Approximately 4–6 seeds per gram
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August (dry season)
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to December
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 20–30 mm deep into well-drained, fertile soil in full sun after the danger of frost has passed. Plant in mounds or rows, spacing plants 1–1.5 m apart with 2–3 m between rows. Keep well watered during flowering and fruit development, and harvest once the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cure fruit in a warm, airy place for 10–14 days before storing to maximise keeping quality.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita mixta
Orange Cushaw is a distinctive heirloom Pumpkin producing large, pear-shaped fruits with characteristic curved or bent necks. The creamy skin is beautifully marked with orange stripes, while inside is pale yellow flesh with a mild, pleasantly sweet flavour reminiscent of button squash.
Fruits typically weigh around 5–9 kg and are wonderfully versatile in the kitchen. The mild flesh can be boiled, steamed, roasted or baked and is traditionally particularly well suited to pies. Its gentle flavour also works well in soups, stews and both sweet and savoury baking.
Cushaws are an old and distinctive group of pumpkins originating in the Americas, with a particularly long history of cultivation in North America. They were grown by Indigenous peoples well before European settlement and later became important vegetables in the food traditions of the southern United States, where cushaw pies, preserves and baked dishes remain traditional uses.
Cucurbita mixta is the older botanical name for the species now generally classified as Cucurbita argyrosperma. The species includes a diverse collection of cushaws and other pumpkins recognised by their characteristic fruit shapes, hardy vines and excellent storage qualities.
Orange Cushaw grows on vigorous trailing vines and requires plenty of room. Once properly matured and cured, the fruits store well, making it a useful pumpkin for extending the home-grown harvest beyond the growing season.
Approximately 22 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and plenty of additional room for the vigorous trailing vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest when the skin has developed its mature cream and orange colouring, the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.
Cure mature fruit in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before moving to a cool, dry storage area. Properly matured and cured Orange Cushaw pumpkins have excellent keeping qualities.
Maturity: approximately 115 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita pepo
Delicata is a much-loved heirloom winter squash producing attractive oblong fruits approximately 20 cm long and 7 cm wide. The creamy skin is patterned with distinctive dark green longitudinal stripes and flecks, while inside is sweet, golden flesh with a smooth, rich texture.
The flavour is notably sweet and often described as somewhere between pumpkin and sweet potato, with a slightly nutty quality. Its convenient individual size makes Delicata particularly good for roasting and stuffing. Simply halve the fruit, remove the seeds and bake, or fill with grains, vegetables, herbs, cheese or meat. The flesh is also excellent in soups, curries and warm salads.
One of Delicata's great culinary advantages is its edible skin. When cooked, the relatively thin rind becomes tender enough to eat, so there is generally no need to peel the fruit before roasting.
Delicata is an American heirloom dating to the late 19th century and was commercially introduced in the United States in the 1890s. After declining in popularity for a period, it enjoyed a resurgence as gardeners and cooks rediscovered its exceptional flavour, manageable fruit size and distinctive appearance.
Although commonly grouped with pumpkins and winter squash, Delicata belongs to Cucurbita pepo, the same species that includes zucchini, many summer squashes and numerous ornamental gourds.
Approximately 15 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–1.5 m between plants and provide room for the vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest when the cream-coloured skin has developed its characteristic dark green markings, the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut fruits from the vine with a section of stem attached.
Allow mature fruit to cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before storing. Delicata can be stored after harvest, although its thinner skin means it generally does not keep as long as the hardest-skinned winter pumpkins.
Maturity: approximately 100 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita moschata
Futsu is a beautiful old Japanese heirloom Pumpkin prized for its extraordinary changing colour, deeply fluted shape and excellent eating quality. Fruits begin with very dark green skin, often appearing almost black, before gradually developing warm bronze, buff and orange tones as they mature and cure after harvest.
Beneath the striking skin is dense, fine-textured orange flesh with a rich, sweet and slightly nutty flavour. One of Futsu’s best qualities is that the flavour continues to develop after harvest, becoming sweeter and more complex during storage. It is superb roasted and equally suited to soups, curries, baking, purées and other savoury dishes.
Often known as Black Futsu or Futsu Kurokawa, this traditional Japanese variety belongs to Cucurbita moschata, a species particularly well adapted to warm growing conditions. Its heavily ribbed, somewhat flattened fruits are highly ornamental and can vary considerably in colour as they cure.
Japanese pumpkins are renowned for dense flesh and excellent culinary quality, and Futsu is no exception. Allowing the fruit a period of storage after harvest before eating can noticeably improve its sweetness and flavour.
Plants are vigorous trailing vines requiring warm conditions, full sun and plenty of room to spread. Like many C. moschata varieties, Futsu performs particularly well in warm and humid climates.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Japan subsequently developed its own distinctive pumpkin culture and numerous locally selected varieties, including richly flavoured C. moschata types such as Futsu.
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and plenty of additional room for the vigorous vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest once fruits are fully mature and the rind has hardened. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached and cure in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position.
During curing and storage, the dark skin gradually develops bronze to orange tones and the flesh becomes sweeter. Store mature fruit in a cool, dry position with good airflow.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Golden Nugget is a compact bush pumpkin producing small, flattened globe-shaped fruits with orange skin and fine-textured, sweet, light orange flesh. Its tidy growth habit makes it well suited to smaller gardens and raised beds, while its prolific yields and good storage qualities make it a reliable home-garden variety. The fruits are an excellent size for roasting whole, stuffing or using in soups and baking.
Approximately 4–6 seeds per gram
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August (dry season)
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to December
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun after the danger of frost has passed. Space plants approximately 80 cm to 1 m apart. Keep evenly watered during flowering and fruit development, avoiding prolonged waterlogging. Harvest after approximately 75–95 days, once the skin has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cure fruit in a warm, airy place before storing.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita moschata
Gramma is a classic Australian heirloom Pumpkin that has been grown in home and farm gardens for generations. A vigorous, hardy variety, it produces medium-sized, egg to pear-shaped fruits with smooth skin that matures from yellow to rich rusty orange.
Inside is dense, bright orange flesh with a sweet, creamy texture. Gramma is particularly famous for its use in traditional Gramma Pie, an old-fashioned Australian sweet pie made with cooked pumpkin, sugar and spices. The flesh is also excellent roasted, baked or used in soups, curries, preserves and other sweet or savoury dishes.
Gramma has a strong place in Australian food and gardening history, particularly in rural and regional communities. The name has been used in Australia for distinctive long or pear-shaped pumpkins since at least the 19th century, and gramma became closely associated with home preserving and baking. Recipes for Gramma Pie became a familiar part of Australian household cookery, especially in New South Wales and Queensland.
Plants are vigorous, sprawling vines with large, deeply lobed green leaves and golden-yellow flowers attractive to bees and other pollinators. Vines can extend several metres and are best given plenty of space to ramble.
As a Cucurbita moschata, Gramma thrives in warm conditions and is particularly well suited to many Australian climates. Mature fruits also have good keeping qualities, providing useful kitchen stores well beyond the growing season.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Over generations, Australian gardeners selected and maintained varieties particularly suited to local growing conditions and cooking traditions, with Gramma becoming one of the country's distinctive heritage pumpkins.
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and plenty of additional room for the vigorous vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest once the skin has developed its mature yellow to rusty-orange colour, the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.
Cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before storing in a cool, dry place with good airflow.
Maturity: approximately 90–120 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Ironbark is a classic Australian heritage Pumpkin renowned for its exceptionally hard skin, excellent keeping qualities and richly flavoured flesh. It produces substantial oval fruits with distinctive dark grey-green, heavily textured or warted skin and dense yellow-orange flesh.
The thick, tough rind that gives Ironbark its name makes mature fruits exceptionally durable in storage. Properly harvested and cured pumpkins can be kept for many months, making this an excellent variety for gardeners wanting a dependable supply well beyond the growing season.
The firm yellow-orange flesh has a rich traditional pumpkin flavour and relatively dry texture. It is excellent roasted or baked and holds together well in curries and stews. It can also be used for soups, mash, scones, pies and other sweet or savoury pumpkin dishes.
Ironbark has a long history in Australian gardens and market production, where varieties capable of surviving transport and extended storage were particularly valuable. Its famously hard rind could be difficult to cut, but that same characteristic protected the flesh and helped make Ironbark a dependable household storage pumpkin.
Plants are vigorous trailing vines and require plenty of room to spread. Allow fruits to mature fully on the vine wherever possible, as a properly developed rind is important for achieving the variety's exceptional storage potential.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Australian growers subsequently maintained and selected varieties suited to local conditions and culinary traditions, with hardy keeping pumpkins such as Ironbark becoming enduring favourites.
Approximately 10 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and plenty of additional room for the vigorous vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest once the fruit has developed its mature dark grey-green colour, the rind is extremely hard and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.
Cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before moving them to a cool, dry storage area. The exceptionally hard rind gives Ironbark excellent long-term keeping qualities.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita pepo
Jack Be Little is a delightful heirloom miniature pumpkin producing deeply ribbed, flattened fruits measuring just 5–7 cm across. The bright orange fruits have sweet orange flesh and are perfectly sized for roasting whole, stuffing or baking. Equally valued for their ornamental appeal, they make charming table decorations and craft projects. When left to mature and dry on the vine, the fruits can store for up to 12 months.
Approximately 7–9 seeds per gram
Approximately 12 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: April to August (dry season)
Subtropics: September to January
Mild climates: September to December
Cold climates: October to December
Planting / Sowing
Sow seed 20–30 mm deep into fertile, well-drained soil in full sun after the danger of frost has passed. Space plants 1–1.5 m apart, allowing room for the spreading vines. Water regularly during flowering and fruit development. Harvest after approximately 85–110 days once the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. For long-term decorative use, allow fruits to dry naturally on the vine before harvesting.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Jarrahdale is a classic Australian Pumpkin producing large, deeply ribbed fruits with distinctive slate-grey skin and dense, deep orange flesh. Long established as a popular market variety, it combines excellent eating quality, manageable preparation and very good storage life.
The flesh is sweet, rich and relatively dry, with a fine texture that makes Jarrahdale an outstanding all-purpose cooking pumpkin. It is excellent roasted, baked or mashed and works beautifully in soups, curries, scones, pies and other savoury or sweet dishes. Despite the substantial fruit size, the skin is comparatively easy to cut and peel.
Jarrahdale is a genuinely Australian variety, developed in Jarrahdale, Western Australia, south-east of Perth. It became an important commercial and home-garden pumpkin and remains one of the most recognisable Australian varieties, valued for its combination of flavour, attractive grey skin and dependable keeping qualities.
Plants are vigorous, sprawling vines and require plenty of room to grow. Fruits should be allowed to mature fully on the vine where possible, as mature pumpkins develop the best flavour and storage potential.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Australian growers subsequently selected varieties particularly suited to local conditions, transport, storage and cooking, with Jarrahdale becoming one of the country's enduring contributions to pumpkin diversity.
Approximately 15 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high
Subtropics: Spring to summer
Mild climates: Spring to early summer after frost
Cold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and plenty of additional room for the large vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest once fruits have developed their mature slate-grey colour, the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached rather than lifting by the stalk.
Cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before moving them to a cool, dry storage area. Properly matured and cured Jarrahdale pumpkins have excellent keeping qualities.
Maturity: approximately 110–140 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita maxima
Jaune Gros de Paris, meaning “Large Yellow of Paris”, is a large French heirloom pumpkin producing impressive, deeply ribbed fruits that mature to a rich golden-yellow. The thick flesh is sweet and richly flavoured, making it particularly good for soups, roasting, baking and purées.
Traditionally associated with the market gardens around Paris, this old French variety was grown for its large size, excellent eating quality and ability to keep through the colder months. Mature fruits store well when properly cured, making it a useful winter pantry pumpkin as well as a striking garden variety.
Plants form vigorous trailing vines and need plenty of room to spread. Grow in rich soil with good moisture through flowering and fruit development, then allow fruits to mature fully on the vine. Harvest once the skin has hardened and the stem begins to dry.
Seed count: approximately 5–12 seeds per gram.
Approximately 8 seeds per packet.
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: February–September
Subtropics: August–February
Mild climates: September–December
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 2–3 cm deep directly where plants are to grow once the soil has warmed, with an ideal soil temperature of approximately 20–32°C. In frost-prone climates, sow after the last frost or start seed under protection for later transplanting.
Space plants approximately 90–120 cm apart with 2–2.5 m between rows. Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil and maintain consistent moisture during active growth and fruit development. For seed saving, grow only one compatible Cucurbita maxima variety within the isolation area to reduce cross-pollination.
Maturity: approximately 105–140 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
Cucurbita moschata
Kent, traditionally known in Australia as Jap Pumpkin, is one of the country’s most familiar and dependable eating pumpkins. It produces rounded to slightly flattened fruits with grey-green skin, often mottled or striped with lighter markings, and firm, bright yellow to orange flesh.
The dense flesh has an excellent sweet, rich flavour and holds its texture particularly well when cooked. Kent is superb roasted, mashed or baked and is equally at home in soups, curries, stews, salads and classic pumpkin scones. Its versatility and reliable eating quality have helped make it a staple of Australian kitchens.
Despite the traditional Australian name “Jap”, Kent pumpkins are not simply a modern Japanese kabocha variety. Pumpkins of this general type have a complicated history, with related Cucurbita moschata forms recorded in the United States during the 19th century before becoming firmly established in Australian cultivation. Today, Kent is increasingly used as the preferred common name.
As a Cucurbita moschata, Kent is particularly well adapted to warm conditions and performs reliably in many of Australia’s hotter growing regions. Plants are vigorous trailing vines and require plenty of room to spread.
Mature fruits have good keeping qualities. Allow pumpkins to ripen fully on the vine and cure them after harvest for the best flavour and storage potential.
Pumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years before spreading throughout the world. Cucurbita moschata includes many pumpkins particularly well adapted to warm and humid climates and is valued for its flavour, productivity and storage qualities.
Approximately 8 seeds per packet
When to Plant (Australia)
Tropics: March–August
Subtropics: August–February
Mild climates: September–January
Cold climates: October–December, after frost risk has passed
Planting / Sowing
Sow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil, or raise seedlings in trays or pots for transplanting. In frost-prone climates, wait until all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed before planting outside.
Grow in full sun in rich, fertile, well-drained soil. Allow approximately 1–2 m between plants and plenty of additional room for the vigorous vines to spread.
Keep plants consistently watered during active growth, flowering and fruit development. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.
Harvest when the fruit has developed its mature grey-green colouring, the rind has hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.
Cure mature pumpkins in a warm, dry, well-ventilated position before moving them to a cool, dry storage area.
Maturity: approximately 110 days.
Due to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.
