Growing pumpkin varieties in a northern climate with a short growing season can be challenging.
Many pumpkin varieties require 100 days or more to mature. Even if you get 100 or more frost-free days in your area, the temperatures at either end of the season may prove colder than ideal for pumpkins, which thrive in warm weather.
Tips for Extending the Growing Season
Starting seedlings indoors and using row covers can help you extend the season for pumpkins, but these strategies require extra effort and expense. Fortunately, there’s an alternative.
Why Choose Short-Season Pumpkin Varieties
By choosing pumpkin varieties that mature in less than 100 days, you can grow pumpkins of many shapes and sizes within the limits of your northern climate. Just plant them once the late spring frost danger has passed, take good care of them, and watch them thrive.
Here are seven pumpkin varieties for northern gardeners to grow.
1. & 2. Autumn Gold and Autumn Gold Bush
If you’re looking for pumpkin varieties suitable for both carving and eating, check out Autumn Gold and Autumn Gold Bush. Autumn Gold pumpkins are on the smaller side, weighing in at 7-10 pounds, and require 90 days to mature. Autumn Gold Bush pumpkins manage to grow considerably larger (up to 18 pounds) in only a 70-75 range, making them an awesome choice for short growing seasons.
3. & 4. Racer and Racer Plus
The Racer and Racer Plus pumpkin varieties are similar, and both are well-suited for growing in northern gardens. They’re medium-sized and well-rounded orange pumpkins. Racer pumpkins weigh around 12-16 pounds, while Racer Plus pumpkins tip the scales a bit heavier at 14-18 pounds. They both mature in 85 days, so they definitely “race” through the season to beat autumn frosts. Known for their strong green handles, Racer and Racer Plus make good carving pumpkins.
5. Casperita
Casperita is one of the best pumpkin varieties for northern growers because the plants require only 77 days to mature. Even if you experience frost in June or September, you should be able to fit Casperitas into your short growing season. The plants grow upright with minimal spreading, and they produce abundant miniature white pumpkins weighing around one pound. They’re good for both eating and decorating, and they offer some resistance to powdery mildew.
6. Early Giant
It can be challenging to grow giant pumpkin varieties during short northern growing seasons, but Early Giant fits the bill. While you won’t grow pumpkins weighing hundreds of pounds, Early Giant can produce tall orange pumpkins weighing about 25-35 pounds in just 95 days. It makes a good carving pumpkin and boasts some powdery mildew resistance.
7. Jack Be Little
Jack Be Little lives up to its name. These miniature orange pumpkins stay very small: about 2 inches high and 3-4 inches wide. They take longer to grow than Casperita pumpkins (estimates vary from around 85 to 95 days), but if you prefer your pumpkins to be classically orange instead of white, Jack Be Little is an excellent choice. They make adorable decorative pumpkins, and they can also be eaten.
Pumpkin Varieties Summary
Growing pumpkins in northern climates can be tricky due to short growing seasons and cool temperatures. While many traditional varieties require over 100 days to mature, several pumpkin varieties thrive in under 100 days, making them perfect for cooler regions. This article introduces seven fast-maturing pumpkin varieties, including Autumn Gold, Autumn Gold Bush, Racer, Racer Plus, Casperita, Early Giant and Jack Be Little. Each variety offers unique benefits, from carving and decoration to culinary use. With the right choices and a little care, even northern gardeners can enjoy a successful pumpkin harvest.
This article was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.
