Field Pumpkin

(Cucurbita pepo)

Field Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Cucurbita pepo, commonly known as Field Pumpkin, is an annual vine or herb that is not native to North America and Central America. It belongs to the genus Cucurbita and includes a variety of cultivars that yield winter squash and pumpkins. C. pepo plants exhibit a wide range of appearances due to their diverse genetic background, especially in fruit characteristics. They typically grow 1.0–2.5 feet high and spread 2–3 feet wide, featuring large, broad leaves and bearing yellow flowers during the growing season. The flowers are showy and can be quite attractive to pollinators. Ancient varieties within C. pepo, such as pumpkins, scallops, and crooknecks, were domesticated separately and are characterized by larger fruits and fewer, but larger, seeds compared to their wild counterparts.

Field Pumpkin is valued for its edible fruit, which is a staple in autumnal decorations and cuisine, particularly around holidays like Halloween and Thanksgiving. The plant is easy to grow and maintain, making it a favorite among home gardeners and commercial growers alike. It thrives in full sun and requires medium amounts of water, adapting well to a range of soil types with varying drainage capabilities. The fruits are versatile in the kitchen, used in both sweet and savory dishes, while the flowers can be battered and fried as a delicacy. However, gardeners should be aware of potential problems such as powdery mildew, squash vine borers, and cucumber beetles. Additionally, C. pepo can be quite sprawling, so ample space is necessary for cultivation.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Vine, Herb
  • Height: 1-2.5 feet
  • Width: 2-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Rapid
  • Flower Color: Yellow
  • Flowering Season: Summer
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Medium
  • Drainage: Slow, Medium, Fast

Common Uses

Bee Garden, Bird Garden, Butterfly Garden, Deer Resistant, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Hummingbird Garden, Rabbit Resistant

Natural Habitat

Native to open grasslands in Mexico and the southern United States

Other Names

Common Names: Vegetable Marrow, Bitter Bottle Gourd, Marrow, Pumpkin, Bush Squash, Squash, Ornamental Gourd, Zucchini, Garten-Kürbis, Gemüse-Kürbis

Scientific Names: , Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita pepo var. melopepo, Cucurbita texana, Pepo pepo, Cucurbita pepo var. patisson, Cucurbita pepo subsp. texana, Zehneria perpusilla, Cucurbita pepo var. flogra, Cucurbita pepo subsp. gumala

GBIF Accepted Name: Cucurbita pepo L.