Blue Prince Pumpkin

Start seeds indoors six to eight weeks before your anticipated last spring frost date. Sow seeds half an inch deep in seed-starting mix at 70 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Provide bright light and keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Transplant seedlings outdoors only after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

Harden off seedlings over seven to ten days by gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions, starting with dappled shade and increasing sun exposure daily. Transplant after the last frost date when soil temperature is consistently above 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Plant at the same depth they were growing in their containers, spacing them 36 inches apart in full sun.

Direct sow seeds outdoors after all frost danger passes and soil temperature reaches 60 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. Plant seeds half an inch deep, two to three seeds per hill spaced 36 inches apart, and thin to the strongest seedling once vines are established.

Harvest Blue Prince pumpkins when the skin has fully hardened and turned a deep, uniform blue-green color; the rind should be difficult to puncture with a fingernail. Fruit typically reaches mature size and color around day 110 to 119 from planting. Cut pumpkins from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving several inches of stem attached; do not pull or twist fruit, as this can damage the plant and the pumpkin's storage life. Harvest before the first hard frost to prevent freeze damage, and cure harvested pumpkins in a warm, well-ventilated location at 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit for seven to ten days to harden the skin further before storage.