A Complete Guide to 91 Types of Pumpkins: Varieties, Uses, and Growing Tips

Types of Pumpkins: A Definitive Guide to 91 Varieties

Pumpkins captivate gardeners and autumn enthusiasts alike. With their vibrant hues, whimsical shapes, and diverse uses—ranging from culinary staples to iconic fall decor—pumpkins come in a remarkable assortment of varieties. This comprehensive guide explores 91 types of pumpkins, detailing their unique appearances, sizes, culinary traits, and ideal uses. Whether you’re an aspiring gardener or an autumn aficionado searching for the perfect Jack-o’-lantern or pie pumpkin, this article has you covered.

Understanding Pumpkin Varieties

Although the term “pumpkin” is commonly used for the large, orange fruits associated with fall, botanically, pumpkins are simply a specific type of winter squash. Most pumpkin varieties belong to one of three primary Cucurbita species:

• Cucurbita pepo: Includes most classic Jack-o’-lantern types and smaller decorative pumpkins.
• Cucurbita maxima: Known for giant pumpkins and many blue- and pink-skinned varieties.
• Cucurbita moschata: Encompasses neck pumpkins and many pie pumpkins with dense, sweet flesh.

Pumpkins differ in skin color, size, shape, and flesh quality, making some best suited for pie or soup, others for carving, and many for ornamental display.

Main Categories of Pumpkin Varieties

• Carving Pumpkins: Large, hollow, easy to cut—ideal for Jack-o’-lanterns.
• Pumpkins for Cooking: Dense, sweet flesh perfect for pies, baking, soups, or roasting.
• Miniature and Decorative Pumpkins: Small, colorful, and uniquely shaped, often used for centerpieces and fall decor.
• Giant Pumpkins: Bred for massive size, grown for competitions and show.
• Specialty and Heritage Varieties: Unusual shapes, rare colors, and heirloom genetics.

91 Types of Pumpkins: Key Varieties and Their Features

Below we highlight a selection of notable pumpkin varieties across all categories to illustrate the range of colors, sizes, and uses found among the 91 types catalogued in this guide.

Carving Pumpkins

• Appalachian: A classic for Halloween, these large pumpkins (20-25 lbs) boast deep orange skin and excel at carving. They reach maturity in about 95 days and produce impressive Jack-o’-lanterns.
• Autumn Gold: Renowned for its bright orange hue and smooth, ribbed sides. Weighing 7–10 lbs, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious in pies. Multiple pumpkins grow on each vine, offering abundant harvests.
• Connecticut Field: An heirloom variety, valued for its large size (15–25 lbs) and traditional shape. Perfect for carving classic Halloween faces.
• Howden: The commercial standard for Jack-o’-lantern carving, with thick walls and uniform round shape.

Giant Pumpkins

• Atlantic Giant: The reigning champion for competitive growers, capable of reaching over 1,400 lbs. High in fiber and nutrients, but mostly grown for size rather than eating.
• Big Max: Another giant, known for fruits well over 100 lbs, with pink-orange skin and moderately sweet flesh.
• Dill’s Atlantic Giant: The genetic base for many record-breaking pumpkins in competitions.

Cooking Pumpkins

• Winter Luxury Pie: Medium-sized (6–8 lbs) with fine white netting on orange skin, prized for its deliciously smooth, sweet flesh.
• Sugar Pie: Small to medium size, these are the gold standard for pumpkin pie filling—dense, deep orange flesh with a naturally sweet flavor.
• Jarrahdale: An Australian heirloom with bluish-gray rind, excellent long-term storage, and salmon-orange flesh great for pies and soups.
• Long Island Cheese: Pale, flattened shape reminiscent of cheese wheels, with rich, dry flesh ideal for baking.
• Spookie: A cross between Sugar Pie and Jack O’Lantern, a small (6–8 lbs) pie pumpkin with sweet flesh and decorative appeal.
• New England Pie: Compact, perfect for baking, with a centuries-long pedigree as the original pie pumpkin.

Miniature and Decorative Pumpkins

• Jack Be Little: Tiny, palm-sized pumpkins, bright orange and ribbed, commonly used in table settings or as single-serving edible pumpkins.
• Baby Boo: Miniature white pumpkins, popular for autumn decor and wedding arrangements.
• Wee-B-Little: Small, round, and perfectly smooth—great for crafting or painting.
• Hooligan: Small pumpkins with variegated orange, yellow, and green stripes; adorable for display.
• Sweet Lightning: Tiny, striped pumpkins with edible flesh, often used for stuffing or baking whole.

Specialty and Unusual Pumpkins

• Fairytale (Musquee de Provence): Flattened and deeply ribbed fruit with a mahogany tint. Once ripe, its dense flesh is outstanding for baking and soups.
• Cinderella (Rouge Vif d’Etampes): A French heirloom, heavily ribbed and vivid red-orange, said to inspire the classic fairy tale pumpkin carriage.
• Galeux d’Eysines: Noted for its warty, peanut-like bumps on peachy-orange skin; the sweet, moist flesh is excellent in pies.
• Kabocha: Not strictly a pumpkin, but this Japanese squarish winter squash is often included for its sweet, dense flesh and versatile uses.

White and Blue Pumpkins

• Casper: Ghostly white skin, smooth and round—ideal for painting or sophisticated arrangements.
• Snowball: Small, white pumpkins often used for elegant table decorations.
• Blue Doll: Stunning blue-green skin, with bright orange, sweet, thick flesh inside—excellent for pies.
• Jarrahdale: As above, prized for its unusual blue rind and delicious flesh.
• Blue Hubbard: Large, blue-gray squash with sweet, dry flesh, used in pies and baked dishes.

Pumpkin Comparison Table: Carving, Cooking, Decorative Uses

Growing Pumpkins: General Tips

Most pumpkins thrive in warm, well-drained soil with plenty of sunlight. Pumpkins are heavy feeders and require ample water, especially during fruit set and development. Space both plants and mounds generously—vining types can sprawl 10 to 20 feet or more!

• Direct sow seeds outdoors 2–4 weeks after the last frost, when soil temperatures exceed 70°F (21°C).
• If transplanting, use biodegradable pots and handle roots delicately to avoid stunting growth.
• Feed with compost or balanced organic fertilizer at planting and again at flower set.
• Water deeply (1–2 inches per week), targeting the roots and avoiding wetting the foliage.
• Mulch to retain soil moisture and control weeds.
• Allow plenty of room for vines to spread—up to 50 square feet per plant for large types.

How to Choose the Best Pumpkin Variety for Your Needs

• If you plan elaborate carvings for Halloween displays, select large, round varieties like Appalachian, Howden, or Connecticut Field.
• For pies, soups, or breads, prioritize dense-fleshed, sweet varieties such as Sugar Pie, Winter Luxury, or Jarrahdale.
• Mini pumpkins like Jack Be Little, Baby Boo, or Hooligan are perfect for decorating and can also be roasted whole.
• If your goal is to grow colossal pumpkins for competition or show, start with Atlantic Giant or Big Max seeds early in the season and prepare for intensive care.

Tips for Growing Giant Pumpkins

• Start seeds indoors for a jumpstart, and transplant carefully after frost danger passes.
• Amend soil with rich compost and ensure good drainage.
• Provide consistent, deep watering—giants can consume 15–20 inches of water through the growing season.
• Support the growing fruit on boards or sand to prevent rot.
• Prune side vines to focus plant energy on the largest pumpkin.

Common Pests and Problems

• Squash bugs and vine borers can devastate pumpkin patches—monitor leaves often and use row covers as protection.
• Powdery mildew is common in late summer; improve airflow, water early in the day, and use organic fungicides if needed.
• Rotate crops each year to prevent soilborne diseases.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What’s the difference between a pumpkin and a squash?

Botanically, all pumpkins are winter squash belonging to the Cucurbita genus. The term “pumpkin” generally refers to large, round, orange fruits used for cooking or decoration, but there is significant overlap with other squash varieties.

How long do pumpkins take to grow?

Most varieties need 90–110 days from seed to harvest, though some mini and giant pumpkins may differ. Always check seed packets for accurate timing.

Can you eat all types of pumpkins?

While all pumpkins are technically edible, some—especially those bred for size or ornamental use—have bland or watery flesh. For baking and eating, choose culinary varieties noted for flavor and texture.

How far apart should I plant pumpkins?

Spacing depends on variety. Large- and vining pumpkins often need 5–8 feet between hills, while bush or mini types can be grown closer together.

How can I tell when a pumpkin is ripe?

Look for deep, even coloration; a hard rind that resists puncture; and a dry, brown stem. Harvest before heavy frost for best storage.

Conclusion

With over 90 named types, pumpkins are as diverse as they are charming. From the titanic Atlantic Giant to the dainty Jack Be Little, each variety brings something special to the garden and table. Whether carving, baking, or decorating, there’s a pumpkin cultivar perfectly suited to your needs. Consider your space, climate, and intended use before selecting seeds, and enjoy the many rewards of growing these iconic squashes.

Author

Anjali Sayee

 

Anjali is an Associate Editor at StyleCraze with 7 years of experience specializing in hairstyles, hair care, and skin care. She has authored over 300 articles and offers expert advice on hair styling techniques, effective skin care routines, and tips for maintaining healthy hair and skin.

Read full bio of Anjali Sayee