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Cucurbita pepo 'Hundredweight'
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

pumpkin 'Hundredweight'

A large scrambling plant requiring ample space in which to grow. Very large pumpkins can be produced if required, if each plant is restricted to developing just one fruit, by pinching out all others that subsequently begin to develop. The fruits have a thick bright orange skin and are ready to harvest in autumn

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Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
1.5–2.5 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green
Autumn Green Orange
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2
Botanical details
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Trailing
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus

A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs

Name status

Unresolved

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained, acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Sow indoors March to May in good quality seed compost. Sow the seeds on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See pumpkin cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types
  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

Generally pest-free

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews

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