Description
| Seeds | 10 seeds $2.95 |
|---|
Nantucket Long Pie (c.pepo)
Heritage: Portugal (São Jorge Island, Azores)
It is believed that this variety was first introduced to North America in 1830’s when a ship coming from Portugal sailed into Nantucket to trade. It wasn’t until the late 1880’s before it began to appear in seed catalogues.
Sprawling vines produce what looks like an overgrown all-green elongated zucchini averaging 4-5lbs (2kg). Fruits are ready for harvest when the underside that touches the ground turns orange. Now the magic happens! Once picked and left to rest, the pumpkin continues to ripen until the whole thing glows a bright orange. The dry, delectable flesh is now ready for pie making. Some cooks swear there is no better pie pumpkin in existence. An enhanced taste profile, and a more substantial mouth feel are accomplished by using a fresh pie pumpkin. Plus, of course, the pride of growing the pumpkin yourself! We have used this variety a few times for pie making and it does not disappoint! Matures in 100-110 days. (6 seeds/g)
Tips for Growing Perfectly Plump Pumpkins! Pumpkins are heat loving plants and are usually planted outdoors when the ground has warmed. Seeds can be started indoors, but we find more vigorous growth when direct planted. It is important to pick a sunny spot so the large leaves can dry-out easily early in the morning to avoid water-born diseases. Hill-up soil and plant 2-4 seeds 1” (2.5 cm) deep. Thin to no more than 2 plants per hill. To enhance the size of your pumpkins, watch for early development of fruit and cut-off the new growth at the end of the vine to ensure all the energy is focusing on producing that one pumpkin. Again, more sun produces larger fruit. The most suitable companion plants for Pumpkins are; corn, beans and radishes. Do not plant near potatoes. They don’t play well together. Pumpkins usually germinate within 7-10days (70-75ºF/21-24ºC).
