Seminole Pumpkin Seeds

Plant after 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 evenly moist, not waterlogged. If starting indoors, sow 2 to 3 weeks before transplanting, harden off seedlings and avoid disturbing the roots. In Kansas, plan these pumpkins for spring planting and a fall harvest. Count backward from your local first-frost date using the longer maturity estimate, then allow extra time for weather delays. An autumn or winter order is generally for planning the next Kansas growing season. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed before planting outdoors.

Seminole pumpkin belongs to Cucurbita moschata, a useful choice for gardeners dealing with squash vine borers. Virginia Cooperative Extension identifies moschata varieties as less favored hosts. Resistance is not immunity or a guarantee of harvest. Check stems for entry holes, sawdust-like frass and wilting, and keep watching for squash bugs too. For variety choices and prevention steps, read our vine borer resistant pumpkin guide.

Roast for soup, puree for pie, or bake into pumpkin bread. Mature, sound fruit can keep well in a dry, ventilated space. Check stored fruit regularly and use damaged fruit first.

Seminole pumpkin is a Florida heirloom winter squash in the Cucurbita moschata species. It has a long history in Indigenous agriculture in Florida. Its mature tan rind, orange flesh and vigorous vines make it useful for gardeners who have space for a cooking and storage pumpkin. Fruit size and shape vary. See UF/IFAS Seminole pumpkin guidance for more about the variety.

Choose 10 seeds for a smaller planting or 20 seeds for a larger plan and backup sowing. Packet count is the number of seeds, not a promise of plants or fruit.

This heirloom is open-pollinated. For seed that stays true to the variety, prevent crossing with other Cucurbita moschata plants. Bag unopened male and female blossoms, hand-pollinate using the same variety, rebag the female flower and label the pollination. Store fully dried saved seed in a cool, dry place.

In Kansas, plan these pumpkins for spring planting and a fall harvest. Count backward from your local first-frost date using the longer maturity estimate, then allow extra time for weather delays. An autumn or winter order is generally for planning the next Kansas growing season. Wait until frost danger has passed and the soil has warmed before planting outdoors.

Yes, but plan for long, vigorous vines. Use a strong, securely anchored support and support heavy fruit with slings. A trellis saves ground space without turning Seminole into a compact plant; it still needs adequate root space, sun and water.

For mature winter squash, look for a firm tan rind and a stem that is drying and becoming woody. Use the 90 to 120 day estimate as a planning range, then check the fruit itself. Cut the stem rather than pulling the pumpkin from the vine, and harvest before frost.