pumpkin is a great vegetable to grow in Florida’s summer heat because it is heat tolerant. It’s an heirloom vegetable that dates back to the native American times you can save the seeds from year to year. Plant the seeds directly in the earth or place 1 or 2 seeds in a small pot. Space pumpkins 3-4’ on center in full sun and plant multiple plants so they can cross-pollinate.

Watching for Pests and Managing Growth

While your Seminole pumpkin plant is growing, you’ll need to scout for insects. Check the leaves regularly for caterpillars, especially in the curled, tender new leaves.

If you find caterpillars, hand-pick them or use a BT product (an organic pesticide) and spray it on the leaves. Apply once a week if caterpillars are present, making sure to cover the undersides of the leaves as best as you can.

The vine may also need some training. Watch the direction it’s growing and redirect it as needed. Allowing the vines to touch the ground can help them root into the soil. Adding mulch around the plant will help conserve soil moisture and reduce weeds.

Flowering and Pollination

An important stage in Seminole pumpkin development is flowering. Take a close look at the flowers—you’ll see both male and female blooms. The female flower can be identified by the small, swollen ovary at its base, which will become the pumpkin.

Bees usually do a good job pollinating, but you can hand-pollinate to be sure. To do this, remove a male flower, strip off the petals, and gently transfer pollen to the center of the female flower. This helps ensure good fruit set and pumpkin development.

Knowing When Pumpkins Are Ready to Harvest

By the end of the season, the vines will have spread throughout the garden, and you should start seeing pumpkins develop. To determine if they are ripe, look for a few key signs:

• The color will change to a creamy tan-orange
• Tendrils will turn brown and dry
• The stem will change from green to brown
• The rind will be hard—your thumbnail should not leave an indentation

To harvest, use clippers to cut the stem, leaving a small portion attached to the pumpkin.

Saving Seminole Pumpkin Seeds

To save seeds, cut the pumpkin in half and scoop out the seeds into a bowl. Add water and rinse off the pulp, then drain them in a colander and rinse again.

Spread the seeds out on a brown paper bag and allow them to dry completely, stirring them occasionally over a few days. Once dry, store them in a labeled plastic bag with the crop name and date.

Cooking Seminole Pumpkin

Seminole pumpkin is nutritious, delicious, and rich in beta carotene. One easy way to prepare it is by roasting.

Cut the pumpkin into wedges about 1 inch thick using a chef’s knife. Coat both sides with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and place them on a baking tray.

Roast at 350°F for 20 minutes, flip, then roast for another 20 minutes until soft, lightly charred, and tender.

Once out of the oven, enjoy as a side dish, or add it to salads or curries.

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