Autumn Frost F1 Pumpkin: Planting, Care and Harvest in Kansas

Autumn Frost F1 is a Cucurbita moschata winter squash with rounded, ribbed fruit that ripens to dark tan with a frosted overlay. The name describes the rind, not cold tolerance. The plants need a warm growing season and protection from frost. Planning a planting? Shop Autumn Frost F1 pumpkin seeds for current 10 and 20 seed packet options, prices and availability.

These packets contain seeds for gardening, not plants or harvested squash.

Allow a full growing season

Allow about 100 to 105 days from direct sowing to maturity, with extra time for weather delays. This is not a short-season or frost-hardy substitute for other winter squash. In Kansas, use your local frost dates and actual soil temperature rather than treating a calendar date as a planting guarantee.

Planting and space

Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil is consistently warm, ideally around 70°F or warmer. Sow about 1 inch deep in well-drained soil with full sun. Keep the seed zone moist without waterlogging it. For indoor starts, sow 2 to 3 weeks before transplanting, harden off seedlings and handle the roots gently.

Autumn Frost has medium vines and is best grown in the ground. Our packet planning guidance allows 3 to 4 feet between plants and at least 5 feet between rows. Leave access to inspect vines and harvest fruit; medium vines do not make this a compact patio plant.

Water, soil and pests

Use a soil test to guide fertilizer, and keep moisture consistent during growth and fruit development. Adjust watering for rainfall, soil drainage and heat rather than assuming every bed needs the same schedule.

Moschata squash can be useful where squash vine borers are a problem, but resistance is not immunity. Inspect stems for entry holes, frass and wilting, and check leaves for squash bugs. For identification and management, use K-State's squash vine borer guidance. Do not interpret hybrid status as a guarantee against pests or disease.

Harvest and kitchen use

Look for the mature dark tan rind with its frosted overlay, a firm skin and a drying stem. Harvest mature fruit before freezing weather. Keep sound fruit dry and ventilated, inspect it regularly and use damaged fruit first. Storage life depends on maturity, handling and conditions.

The butternut-style flavor suits roasting, soup and stuffing. Halve the squash or cut a lid, remove the seeds and roast until tender. The decorative rind does not make the fruit a different crop from the winter squash you cook.

Buying seed for next season

Autumn Frost is an F1 hybrid. Saved seed may produce different plants; choose fresh F1 seed when you want the same variety again. A packet's seed count is not a promise of plants or fruit.

Choose your Autumn Frost F1 seed packet, or compare it with Seminole and Long Island Cheese. Those two are open-pollinated heirlooms, while Autumn Frost is a hybrid.

For general frost and harvest guidance, see University of Maryland Extension's pumpkin growing guide. Browse our vine borer resistant pumpkin and squash seed collection for more choices.