Growing Jack Be Little Pumpkin Garden Seeds

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Sowing & Growing:

Start these miniature pumpkins indoors in early spring, or 2-3 weeks before your region's final frost. In southern climates, sow Jack Be Little Pumpkin seeds outdoors in spring or fall. In northern climates, sow Jack Be Little Pumpkin seeds outdoors in May, as long as the threat of frost has passed. JBL varieties prefer a temperature range of 65-85°. Sow Jack Be Little Pumpkin seeds in either trays or in a large container 18" deep. Plant 2-3 seeds 1" deep in an even mixture of potting soil, peat moss, and vermiculite. Germination will take 1-2 weeks. Keep soil moist and warm as Jack Be Little Pumpkin seedlings sprout 1-2 sets of true leaves. Then let 1-2 of the strongest heirloom pumpkins grow in their own container as you cut back the less successful plants. Transplant developing pumpkin plants to a larger container if needed. Water JBL plants 1" per week and place in full sun for 6-8 hours. Use a trellis to help support the strong vines and growth of this bush variety, as these hardy plants can reach 5-10"! For outdoor planting, sow Jack Be Little seeds in groups 1-2" deep, 3" apart, and up to 6" spaced in between rows. Jack Be Little Pumpkins prefer a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer at planting and loamy, rich, well-drained soil with a pH of 5.5-6.5. As these heirloom pumpkins self-pollinate, JBL female flowers will bloom around 2 weeks after the male flowers produce. Switch to a phosphorus-based fertilizer. Once Jack Be Littles develop their bright-orange, polished texture and reach their miniature size, use a potassium fertilizer to help these pumpkin plants produce through a long summer season and into the Halloween harvest. Miniature heirloom pumpkins develop a sweet, slightly acidic flavor that becomes savory when cooked. Jack Be Little Pumpkins make perfect candied dishes or a tasty pumpkin curry. Whether you're a city-dwelling gardener with limited space or a beginner who wants to add holiday flair to your fall decor, Jack Be Little Pumpkin seeds are easy to grow in containers, disease-resistant, and thrive in fluctuating climates.

Harvesting:

Harvest Jack Be Little miniature pumpkins 90-95 days after sowing, or once the skin is tough and the stems have dried. Allow heirloom pumpkins to fully develop their bright-orange color, and handle their long vines carefully. Use gardening shears or a knife to cut the Jack Be Littles from their vine, leaving 2-3" of the stem intact. It's recommended not to hold pumpkins by their stem, as this part of the plant is essential for setting them on your porch as decor. You can savor the sweet flavor of JBL pumpkins in a holiday dish like pumpkin pie, or even store them for up to a year after curing! These palm-sized pumpkins are members of the Cucurbitaceae family and are technically gourds.

Facts:

Cucurbita pepo is a squash-like plant and an ancient crop found in Northeast Mexico, later cultivated by Native peoples in the United States. Miniature heirlooms such as Jack Be Little Pumpkins are technically gourds. These smaller pumpkin varieties were first developed in 1989 and are hardier than others!

Jack Be Little Pumpkin Seeds Per Package:

• 2 g - Approximately 32 Seeds
• 1 oz - Approximately 455 Seeds
• 4 oz - Approximately 1,820 Seeds
• 1 lb - Approximately 7,280 Seeds
• 5 lb - Approximately 36,400 Seeds
• 25 lb - Approximately 182,000 Seeds