VegetablePumpkin
Connecticut Field Pumpkin
Field Pumpkin
Connecticut Field Pumpkin carries the soul of American autumn traditions, tracing its roots back to pre-Columbian Native American gardens in New England. This heirloom variety produces magnificent 20-pound orange orbs perfect for jack-o-lanterns, with their characteristic flattened bottoms and deep ribbing. Hardy across zones 3-13, these sprawling vines mature in 110-119 days, creating the quintessential pumpkin that has graced American doorsteps for centuries.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam With Organic Matter
Preferred Temp70-85°F
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
72 in
Width
36 in
Spacing
110–119
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeVine
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-13
Size
24in H x 72in W
Growth
Annual
Care
Moderate
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
This is the original American pumpkin that defined our fall celebrations. Connecticut Field produces substantial 20-pound fruits with thick, soft skin perfect for carving intricate designs, while the orange flesh inside makes excellent pies and roasted seeds. Each plant can yield up to 5 pumpkins, and the variety's flattened bottom gives jack-o-lanterns that perfect stable sitting pose. The vines spread impressively across the garden, sometimes reaching 6 feet or more, making this a true statement plant for those with space to spare.
Common Uses
Connecticut Field excels as the ultimate dual-purpose pumpkin, equally suited for carving elaborate jack-o-lanterns and creating delicious autumn dishes. The thick orange flesh makes exceptional pies, while the abundant seeds roast into perfect fall snacks. These pumpkins carve beautifully thanks to their soft, manageable skin and substantial size, creating impressive decorative displays. Beyond carving and cooking, many gardeners grow them specifically for their ornamental value, as the deep orange, ribbed fruits epitomize the classic pumpkin aesthetic that defines American autumn imagery.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Late Spring
First Harvest
Early Autumn
Last Harvest
Mid-autumn
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date to get a head start on the growing season, then transplant carefully after soil has warmed.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant seedlings after all danger of frost has passed and soil has warmed. Space transplants in hills 6 feet apart with 3 plants per hill, or arrange in rows with 36-48 inches between plants.
Direct Sow
Direct sow seeds after the last frost date when soil has warmed sufficiently. Plant in prepared hills or rows with generous spacing to accommodate the extensive vine growth.
Harvesting
Harvest pumpkins in fall before they begin to rot, typically when they reach 10-20 pounds and display deep orange color with a flattened bottom. The fruits should feel firm and sound hollow when tapped. Connecticut Field pumpkins are ready when they've developed their characteristic ribbing and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine leaving a short stem attached for better storage life.
Growing Calendar
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Companion Planting
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Cucurbita mixta Pang.
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Cucurbita
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (NI)PR (I)CAN (W)
History & Origin
“Connecticut Field Pumpkin represents one of America's oldest agricultural treasures, cultivated by Native Americans in New England long before European settlement. This variety dates back to pre-Columbian times and became a cornerstone crop for colonial settlers who adopted it from indigenous growers. The pumpkin earned its place as the mother variety of the famous New England Pie pumpkin and has remained virtually unchanged for several hundred years. New England settlers made it their favorite autumn decoration, establishing the jack-o-lantern tradition that continues today. This living piece of American agricultural heritage connects modern gardeners directly to the Native American farmers who first perfected this remarkable variety centuries ago.”