Seeds
Dickinson Pumpkin Seeds, The Original Pie Pumpkin
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Dickinson Pumpkin Seeds, the original pie pumpkin behind Libby's canned pumpkin. A vine borer resistant heirloom (Cucurbita moschata
The moschata group is the one that matters in a Kansas July. Solid, dense stems that vine borer larvae struggle to tunnel, and genuine tolerance for heat and humidity. Why species predicts survival here.) with smooth, spiced flesh perfect for baking. Grown and tested at our Kansas homestead.
🛡️ Vine borer resistance: Excellent, the solid stems of Cucurbita moschata resist the squash vine borer that kills most common pumpkins.
🌱 Free Shipping on Orders $25+, ships from Newton, Kansas.
✅ Germination Promise: if your seeds fail to germinate under proper growing conditions, contact us within one year and we will replace them or refund your purchase. See the details.
📖 Read our complete growing guide for this variety →
This is the pumpkin behind the can. Libby’s famous pie filling starts right here. Tan-skinned, heavy-yielding, and packed with smooth, spiced flesh that defines pumpkin pie.
Growing Guide
Cucurbita moschata
Annual
100 days
Full sun
36-48″ apart
1″
Vine
10-40 lbs
Tan
Pie filling, eating
No
Yes, 3 weeks
No
Vine borer resistant, disease resistant
10-14 days in a warm, dry spot
4-6 months in a cool basement
Also known as: Libby's pumpkin
History & Origin
The Dickinson pumpkin is American pie history. This is the variety that Libby's used to build its canned pumpkin empire, before they switched to a proprietary hybrid. Originating in the Midwest, Dickinson produces large, tan-skinned fruits with smooth, sweet flesh that yields more puree per pumpkin than almost any other variety. Growing it connects you to a century of American baking tradition.
In the Kitchen
Roast halves and puree for the most authentic homemade pumpkin pie. The flesh is naturally smooth, requiring minimal processing. Use it for pumpkin bread, muffins, pancakes, and home-canned puree. One Dickinson pumpkin can yield enough puree for 4-6 pies.
Related Reading
Midsummer in the Patch
The main Zone 6b planting window has wrapped for this year. Vines are running and fruit is setting, so now is the time to plan next spring’s patch and get ready for harvest, curing, and storage. Gardeners in Zones 8–10 can still sow fast-maturing varieties. See our growing guides
Pair With These Varieties
- Seminole Pumpkin - Our #1 seller, vine borer resistant
- Long Island Cheese - Pre-1860 heirloom pie pumpkin
- Prairie Coffee - Fresh roasted, pairs with pumpkin pie season
Untreated, open-pollinated heirloom seed. No fungicide coating. Save your own seed from your strongest fruit and grow it again next year.
Quick Specs
| Species | Cucurbita moschata |
| Days to maturity | 100 to 115 |
| Sowing | 1 in deep, hills 6 ft apart |
| Sun | Full sun |
| Vine habit | Long vigorous vines |
| Fruit size | 10 to 40 lb |
| Pest resistance | Highly vine borer resistant. Solid moschata stems are hard for borer larvae to tunnel into. Resistant, not immune, so still scout in June and July. |
Common Questions
Is Dickinson Pumpkin really vine borer resistant?
Highly vine borer resistant. Solid moschata stems are hard for borer larvae to tunnel into. Resistant, not immune, so still scout in June and July.
When should I plant Dickinson Pumpkin in Kansas?
Direct sow or transplant once soil holds 65 to 70 F, typically mid May to early June in Zone 6b. At 100 to 115 days to maturity, a late May planting ripens in September to October, right on time for curing before frost.
Is Dickinson really the pumpkin used in canned pumpkin?
Yes. Dickinson is the variety behind most commercial canned pumpkin in America. If you have eaten pumpkin pie from a can, you have almost certainly eaten Dickinson.
Will it ripen before frost? Dickinson Pumpkin needs about 100 days from sowing. In a typical Newton, Kansas Zone 6b season the first fall frost arrives between October 10 and 20, so direct sow by about June 23 to finish with a two week cushion. Planting later, or gardening in a different zone? Check your own planting window.
What growers are saying
Shipping & Satisfaction
We ship seeds and coffee via USPS from Newton, Kansas. Orders typically ship within 1 to 3 business days.
Seeds: Flat-rate shipping. Ships year-round.
Coffee: Packed fresh in Newton and shipped weekly.
Not happy? Contact us and we will make it right.
Growing Tips
Each seed packet includes detailed growing instructions. For additional help, visit our Growing Guides or reach out to us directly.
Seed life: 4 to 6 years stored cool, dry and dark. Germination is strongest in the first 2 to 3 years, so sow the freshest packet first and test older seed before you plan a bed around it.
Complete your patch
Most growers plant three or four varieties. Free shipping on orders over $25.00.
