Pie Pumpkin
Naked Bear Pumpkin is a traditional autumn staple that transcends the typical jack-o-lantern role. Grown in hardiness zones 3-10, this variety thrives in full sun and moderate water, producing orange flesh packed with fiber, essential minerals, and beta-carotene. Its colorful fruit signals the abundance of the harvest season while delivering genuine culinary value beyond seasonal decoration.
3-5 feet apart
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
?in H x ?in W
Annual
High
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Orange flesh loaded with beta-carotene and essential minerals makes this pumpkin as nutritious as it is visually striking. The firm rinds cure beautifully for extended storage, holding at 55-70°F for months when properly cured. Direct seeding after soil warms to 65°F keeps the process simple, and the plant's moderate water needs make it manageable for most gardeners.
Beyond jack-o-lanterns, this variety shines in the kitchen. The fiber-rich orange flesh makes excellent pies, soups, and roasted preparations. Its nutritional profile, particularly its beta-carotene content, makes it a valuable addition to both traditional autumn harvest displays and everyday cooking.
Direct seed after frost danger passes when soil warms to at least 65°F. Plant into hills amended with a shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup Complete Fertilizer per hill. Keep soil evenly moist but not wet during germination and growth.
Leave fruit on the vine until fully mature, when the rind becomes firm and resistant to fingernail pressure. Harvest before a hard frost, though the plant tolerates light frosts. Cut the stem with a knife rather than twisting the fruit free. After harvest, field cure the pumpkins for 1-2 weeks in dry, sunny weather to toughen the skin and improve storage life. In rainy weather, move curing indoors to a well-ventilated space maintained at 80°F.
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