Description
Howden Pumpkin Seeds 2055.
Classic John Howden Original Stock Heirloom Producing Uniform 11 kg Dark Orange Halloween Pumpkins.
Howden Field Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is the definitive commercial standard for Jack-o’-lanterns, grown directly from John Howden’s original heirloom seed stock. Celebrated across North America for its exceptional uniformity, this variety produces deep, symmetrical, dark orange pumpkins averaging 11 kg in weight with defined ribbing and thick, sturdy stems. Featuring thick, solid flesh and strong outer rinds, Howden pumpkins offer outstanding storage life and naturally resist black rot—making them the premier pick for autumn farm stands, Halloween carving, and festive autumn displays.
Quick Seed Details
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Product Code: 2055
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Botanical Name: Cucurbita pepo ‘Howden’
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Type: Open-Pollinated Heirloom Field Pumpkin
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Fruit Size & Weight: Symmetrical & Deeply Rounded (Approx. 11 kg)
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Disease Resistance: Tolerant to Black Rot
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Plant Spacing: Space hills 2.4 m apart
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Light Requirement: Full Sun
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Soil Preference: Deep, rich, organic, well-draining soil (pH 5.5–6.5)
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Germination: 7–10 days in warm soil
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Seed Depth: 2.5 cm deep
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Seed Count: Approx. 20 seeds per packet (8–10 seeds per gram)
What you need to know to Plant & Grow
Pumpkins are heat-loving crops that thrive in full sun with organic-rich soil and careful transplanting to protect sensitive root systems.
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Direct Sowing (Recommended): Direct sow seeds outdoors from late May through early June once soil temperatures have warmed thoroughly. Plant seeds 2.5 cm deep in hills spaced 2.4 m apart, placing 4 to 6 seeds per hill. Thin to the 3 strongest seedlings per hill after emergence.
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Indoor Starting: In shorter-season regions, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before outdoor planting. Sow directly into paper or fibre pots to prevent root disturbance during transplanting.
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Soil Preparation & Care: Work generous amounts of rich compost or well-rotted manure into garden beds prior to planting. Keep soil consistently moist throughout the growing season.
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Harvesting & Storage: Harvest mature pumpkins before the first hard autumn frost when rinds turn a uniform dark orange and harden. Cut from the vine leaving a long, thick stem attached. Cured fruits store exceptionally well.
Why Howden Pumpkin Seeds belong in Your Garden
If you want to grow the benchmark heirloom Jack-o’-lantern pumpkin known for its deep orange colour, thick walls, and black rot resistance, Howden is an essential choice. Its reliable performance, excellent storage capabilities, and classic Halloween appeal make it a staple for Canadian home gardeners and market growers.
