A question about pumpkins...

[Crosbie]

Hello Everyone...

I have 4 varieties of pumpkin - currently at 5" seedling stage...

My question is:

Is it okay to plant all varieties together in the same bed?

I read some article on Gardening Expert forum which suggests that beginners may be put off growing pumpkin varieties together because of the risk of cross-pollination and that they {the pumpkins} might end up looking like something from another planet and totally inedible. Is this true?

I'd appreciate any advice.

Many thanks

Crosbie

[Arachne]

I can't offer advice on this, but I surely can't be the only one who thinks that pumpkins from another planet sound quite cool

[yoanbob]

my nephews last year in their "plot" (bit of my allotment) grew what were suposed to be big orange pumpins (F1's) most were but a couple gave different pumpkins, the 4 year old was so proud of his small but dense green one he wouldnt put it down for a week and he could hardly lift it!
I find the odd ones taste much better but are harder to peel.

[Snadger]

You've just reminded me, I've still got a huge pumpkin sitting in the garage (grown for online show!) that I'm wondering what to do with. Spose I'll have to look up some pumpkin recipes!

[shirlthegirl43]

You've just reminded me, I've still got a huge pumpkin sitting in the garage (grown for online show!) that I'm wondering what to do with. Spose I'll have to look up some pumpkin recipes!

...and reminded me I haven't sown my pumpkins yet!

[gardenplot]

...and reminded me I haven't sown my pumpkins yet!

Ohhhhhhhhh not sown mine yet,
My next job sow pumpkins seeds

[amandaandherveg]

Has anyone grown pumpkins outside in Scotland with any success?

[Flummery]

The pumpkins themselves will come true to type - it's just if you save the seed to sow next year you might get a cross. If you sow bought seed you get what you sow - even if there are 2 different ones together.

[allotmentlady]

Not sown mine either, done the gourds and courgettes!

Ithink your pumpkins will be fine, just give em plenty to drink.....boddingtons lol..

[Crosbie]

Thanks, this is very reassuring...

Which varieties will you all be growing?

Do you have a best/worst experience of any variety?

You're probably right about the Boddington's - altho' I
was thinking maybe more Kronenbourg 1664!

Regards
Crosbie

[Pieman]

I've put 3 "Ghost Rider" seeds in to pots last night......these were Prizes from a GYO competition......

[Flummery]

I like Baby Bear - a lovely little pumpkin and big enough for the 2 of us.

[T-lady]

Hi folks

Any reason I can't pop my pumpkin / squash plants into the (slightly) raised bed and then have the plants romp away over the bark paths?

It seems such a waste of space to have these lovely paths - all very useful for access but it's plants I'm interested in!

[Flummery]

No reason at all, unless you trip yourself up! I had them sprawling over the gravel that surrounds my home veg plot last year. Great use of space. However, if you want to get a barrow down there it'll be a bit of a bummer.

[Pumpkin Becki]

Hi folks

Any reason I can't pop my pumpkin / squash plants into the (slightly) raised bed and then have the plants romp away over the bark paths?

It seems such a waste of space to have these lovely paths - all very useful for access but it's plants I'm interested in!

I tried my hardest to keep my two pumpkin 'Becky' plants inside a raised bed last year, but they decided the grass was greener in the next raised bed and tried to get in with the runner beans! Disgraceful behaviour