Growing Queensland Blue Pumpkins

Earlier this year, I decided to plant heritage seeds. I searched the Internet for companies that sold heritage seeds and found one near me that I liked. I purchased several packets of seeds, some containing the standard vegetable seeds that I always plant such as tomatoes and peppers, but I also purchased some seeds from plants that I have never planted, one being Queensland blue pumpkin (botanical name is Cucurbita maxima).

Queensland blue pumpkin is not your ordinary looking round, orange pumpkin. It is more green-grey or bluish in color (thus the name), has a flat top and bottom, and resembles a turban. It is an heirloom plant from Australian and highly regarded there, thus the other part of its name. One pumpkin has an average weight is 10 to 12 pounds and inside the flesh is thick and golden-orange in color, producing a semi-sweet flavor. Being a pumpkin lover and a person who likes to grow unusual plants, especially if I am successful at it, this unique variety of pumpkin caught my eye, so I knew I just had to try to grow it. According to the planting guide, my area (zone 6), was suitable for this plant.

When my order arrived, the seed envelop for the Queensland blue pumpkin contained twenty bluish looking seeds. The back of the packet indicated that these pumpkins need a lot of room to grow, so because I have a small garden, in May I planted only two hills with five seeds in each. These pumpkins need at least 110 days to mature, so they should be ready in early September. The plants need rich warm soil, full sun and regular watering through the hot summer months. I planted them where they would get all the requirements the package suggested and added a little extra organic fertilizer to help them get a good start.

The Queensland plants started out well, with multiple vines growing from the small dirt mounds and extending to the nearby edges of my garden. By mid July, the plants were thriving with beautiful yellow blossoms and rich green leaves. It is now the beginning of August and I am afraid our 90 degree plus weather is starting to affect the lush plants, even with daily watering. Their leaves are turning brown and the blossoms are drying up with no indication of any developing fruit.

I was so hoping to have a few of these unusual pumpkins to show my friends and to make a few pies, some bread and scones. I have some seeds left and heritage seeds are good for three years, so I may try growing them again next year.

Sources: Personal Experience, Baker Creek Heirloom Seed Store