Sowing The Seed
Pumpkins are best established directly outdoors in the summer. Be sure to select a large enough area for the plants to grow and vine outwards. Remove all unwanted plant life from your sowing area, turning the dirt, or replacing the dirt with a fresh soil. Create mounds of dirt or “hills” roughly 18 to 24 inches wide and at least 8 inches high. Sow 4 seeds per mound at a depth of 1 inch under topsoil. (See "Germination & Growth" for spacing and other growth habits)
Growing Conditions
Pumpkins enjoy the heat of summer and will thrive in temperatures that are above 75F. The soil should be rich in organic matter, but will also need to be well drained. To improve drainage, it is recommended to add a light compost to any hard, compacted soil in the sowing area. This will prevent the roots from rotting. Water the seeds daily with a mild setting so that the seeds and seedlings are kept moist until germination occurs.
Germination & Growth
Blue Jarrahdale Pumpkin seeds will begin to sprout open in roughly 7 to 14 days after sowing. The plants will grow to a mature height of 1 to 2 feet tall and 10 to 15 feet long. These plants will need a large area to grow outwards and can be spaced by hills or mounds of dirt, rather than rows. As explained above mounds should be 18 to 24 inches wide and at least 8 inches tall. Space each mound at least 6 to 8 feet apart from one another. When sprouts become visible, direct the vines outwards towards areas that do not contain other plant life.
Harvesting Blue Jarrahdale Pumpkins
When your vines start to establish pumpkins, be sure to place straw under the fruits to prevent them from touching the bare ground beneath, as this can cause rotting. Your Blue Jarrahdale Pumpkins will be ready for harvest in roughly 100 days after first sprouts appear. Cut the stems at least 2 to 3 inches from the actual fruits, otherwise the fruits will rot. Cut, carve and do as you please with the fruits. You can even collect seeds from the core to establish fresh plants the following year.
Common Misspellings: Blue Jarradale, Blue Jaradale, Blue Jardale, Blue Jarridale
