VegetablePumpkin
Red Warty Thing Pumpkin
Decorative And Culinary
Red Warty Thing Pumpkin is a striking Cucurbita maxima variety that produces bright orange-red giants weighing over 20 pounds, each adorned with distinctive bumps and an incredibly thick, durable rind. This heirloom treasure from the U.S. Seed Bank takes 110 days to mature and thrives across zones 3-13, sprawling vigorously through gardens with its vining growth habit. What sets this variety apart isn't just its memorable name or unique warty texture, but its exceptional cooking quality that lacks the stringy texture plaguing other pumpkins.
Photo © True Leaf Market
Growing Conditions
USDA Zone
3-13
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Soil
Well-drained, Fertile Loam, Rich
Preferred Temp65-85°F
Growth Stats
24 in
Height
—
Width
2 in
Spacing
110–110
Days to Harvest
PeriodAnnual
TypeVine
Plant Profile
Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
Moderate
Zones
3-13
Size
24in H x ?in W
Growth
Annual
Care
High
Hover over chart points for details
Highlights
The Red Warty Thing stands out with its brilliant orange-red skin covered in characteristic bumps that create an incredibly hard, long-lasting rind perfect for fall decorations that endure. Weighing in at over 20 pounds each, these substantial pumpkins offer exceptional culinary value with their smooth, non-stringy flesh that purees beautifully for desserts. The variety's remarkable durability comes from that distinctively thick, warty rind that protects the mild, sweet flesh within, making it both a stunning ornamental piece and a baker's dream.
Common Uses
Red Warty Thing Pumpkin excels in both ornamental and culinary applications, serving as striking fall decoration thanks to its unique warty texture and vibrant orange-red coloring. In the kitchen, its smooth, non-stringy flesh makes it particularly valuable for pies and pureed desserts, where its mild sweet flavor and creamy texture shine through beautifully.
Growing Timeline
First Bloom
Mid-summer
First Harvest
Early Autumn
Last Harvest
Late Autumn
Care Instructions
Start Indoors
Indoor starting is not recommended except in very short growing seasons, where seeds can be sown 2-4 weeks before the average last frost date in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly in the ground to avoid root disturbance.
Transplant Outdoors
Transplant after your average last frost date when weather is warm and settled, ensuring soil temperature has reached 70-90°F.
Direct Sow
Direct sowing is recommended 2-4 weeks after your average last frost date when soil temperature reaches 70-90°F, placing pumpkin seeds into the ground 110 days before the first predicted fall frost.
Harvesting
Harvest after 110 days when the thick, warty rind has developed its full orange-red coloration and hardened completely. Cut the stem with a sharp knife rather than pulling to avoid bruising, which can lead to rot during storage. Handle carefully during harvest to prevent damage to the incredibly thick but vulnerable rind.
Growing Calendar
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
Companion Planting
Pests & Diseases
Ecology & Traits
Edible
Scientific Classification
Cucurbita mixta Pang.
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Genus
Cucurbita
Duration
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Native Status
L48 (I)PR (I)
History & Origin
“This distinctive heirloom variety comes from the U.S. Seed Bank, representing part of America's preserved agricultural heritage. The Red Warty Thing has been maintained through seed banking efforts to ensure this unique cultivar with its memorable appearance and superior cooking qualities continues to reach modern gardeners.”