{"product_id":"howden-pumpkin","title":"Howden Pumpkin Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003eThe Howden pumpkin, an iconic Halloween symbol, is cherished for its rich, deep brownish-orange skin and characteristic dark green stems. Renowned for carving, it also offers sweet and flavorful flesh, ideal for pies, desserts, soups, and savory dishes. Reliable and productive, it is a must-have variety for autumn gardens.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhere can you grow Howden pumpkins?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eHowden pumpkins grow well in zones 3 to 9 and prefer full sun, fertile soil, and plenty of room to spread. They are perfect for large gardens, raised beds, and farms.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHistory and Historical Uses\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDeveloped in the 1970s by John Howden in Massachusetts, USA, the Howden pumpkin quickly became popular due to its uniform shape, sturdy handles, and vibrant color. Traditionally used as a carving pumpkin for Halloween, it is also highly valued in cooking for its sweet and versatile flesh.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCanadian Zone Information\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eZones 8–9: Direct sow outdoors after the risk of frost; harvest in early to mid-autumn.\u003cbr\u003eZones 5–7: Start seeds indoors 3 to 4 weeks before the last frost; transplant when the soil has warmed up.\u003cbr\u003eZones 3–4: Start seeds indoors early and transplant after the last frost, with black plastic mulch to warm the soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"\" data-end=\"1870\" data-start=\"1520\"\u003e\u003cimg alt=\"\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0570\/7841\/5473\/files\/Plant_Hardiness.png?v=1734491528\"\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Grow and Harvest Howden Pumpkins\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Sow seeds 2.5 cm (1 in) deep, spacing plants 1.2 to 1.8 m (4 to 6 ft) apart in rows or mounds.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWatering:\u003c\/strong\u003e Maintain consistent moisture throughout the growing season, especially during fruit development.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHarvesting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Harvest pumpkins when the skin is hard, the color is uniform, and the stems begin to dry.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCuring:\u003c\/strong\u003e Cure pumpkins in a warm, sunny location before storing them in a cool, dry place to extend their shelf life.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Saving Tips for Future Supply\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit Selection:\u003c\/strong\u003e Allow pumpkins to fully mature on the vine.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSeed Extraction:\u003c\/strong\u003e Remove seeds, rinse off pulp, and dry completely on screens or paper towels.\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDrying and Storage:\u003c\/strong\u003e Once thoroughly dry, store seeds in airtight containers in a cool, dark place. Viability up to 5 years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCertified Organic by\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr\u003eIslands Organics Producers Association (Cert#1962)\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Metchosin Farm","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":53644641567088,"sku":"MF-SQUASH-003","price":3.95,"currency_code":"EUR","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0969\/0801\/8032\/files\/ChatGPTImage27avr.2026_18_19_27.png?v=1777328385","url":"https:\/\/www.biocos.ca\/en-ie\/products\/howden-pumpkin","provider":"Biocos Canada ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}