Growing a pumpkin inside another pumpkin may sound tricky, but it’s actually a fun gardening project that yields amazing results! With a bit of preparation, the right seeds, and proper care, you can have a tiny pumpkin sprouting inside a larger hollowed pumpkin.
Why Grow a Pumpkin in a Pumpkin?
Growing pumpkins in pumpkins makes for a gorgeous and natural planter. As the pumpkin grows, the outer pumpkin shell remains intact to support the plant. The inner pumpkin takes on the shape of the larger pumpkin. It’s a beautiful and eco-friendly way to repurpose a carved Halloween pumpkin. Kids love this project too!
Choosing the Right Pumpkins
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Pick a large, uncarved pumpkin for the outer planter Choose one that is free of soft spots or cracks Mini pumpkins or sugar pie pumpkins work well.
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For the inner sprouting pumpkin, select smaller pie pumpkin or mini pumpkin seeds. Some varieties suited for container growing include Baby Boo, Jack Be Little and Munchkin
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Make sure both pumpkins are organic. Conventionally grown pumpkins may have pesticide residues that could hinder growth.
Prepping the Pumpkin Planter
Cutting the top off the large outer pumpkin transforms it into a planter.
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Cut 3-4 inches below the stem, angling the cut to allow the top to rest on the pumpkin as a lid.
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Scoop out strings and seeds, leaving about 2 inches of flesh around the inside walls for support.
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Add drainage by poking holes in the bottom with a knife. Place it on bricks or pebbles to allow drainage.
Planting the Seeds
Now you’re ready to plant! Follow these tips for success:
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Fill the bottom inch or two of the pumpkin with potting soil for drainage.
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Add quality potting mix 2/3 up the pumpkin walls, tamping down gently.
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Presoak seeds overnight before planting 1-2 inches deep, 4-6 inches apart. Mini pumpkins need less space than larger pie varieties.
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Water well and cover with the pumpkin lid to retain moisture while seeds germinate.
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Once sprouted, remove lid and place planter in full sun. Keep soil moist but not soaked.
Caring for Pumpkin Seedlings
Young pumpkin plants require attentive care:
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Water whenever the top inch of soil feels dry. Don’t let plants wilt.
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After 2 weeks, begin fertilizing every 2-3 weeks with a water soluble plant food.
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Check soil pH and amend if needed – pumpkins prefer a range of 5.5 to 7.0.
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Prune vines to encourage bushy growth that fits the container.
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Pollinate by hand if bees aren’t present. Use a small brush to transfer pollen.
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Add more potting mix if vines start growing over the edges.
Harvesting Homegrown Pumpkins
Your mini pumpkin should be ready to pick once the rind hardens and turns the expected color, usually in early fall. The timing depends on the variety, but most take 90-100 days to mature.
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Use pruners to cut the vine, leaving a 3-4 inch stem on the pumpkin.
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Handle carefully to avoid bruising. Display on the porch or indoors.
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Eat fresh, can, or use for pies and other recipes. The seeds are edible too!
With the right conditions and care, you can grow a beautiful and delicious mini pumpkin inside a natural pumpkin planter. This fun gardening project brings joy to kids and adults alike.
Kids Gardening Project with Pumpkin Seeds
After taking everything out of the pumpkin, we went to the kitchen sink to wash the seeds off. Maybe we didn’t need to clean them off, but I thought it was the right thing to do for this gardening project with kids.
Finally, JDaniel watered the soil to give the seeds a moist area to grow in. We must have put in too much water. We put the pumpkin plant on a rubber mat right next to the pumpkin. A pool of water then appeared. I was so glad we had put drainage holes into the pumpkin for this kids gardening project.
| The link to Pumpkin Hill below is an affiliate link. |
Pumpkin Hillby Elizabeth Spurr is the wonderful story about how a lonely pumpkin became a whole patch of pumpkins. The lonely pumpkin grew alone on a hill. One day it broke from its vine and rolled down a hill and into a field. When it finally came to a stop, it broke open and scattered its seeds all over a field. The owners of the field couldn’t decide what to grow in the field that falls and so it was left unplanted. As time went on pumpkins grew in the field. No one knew they were there and so no one came to get them. The pumpkins withered and died leaving their seeds in the soil. Once again the farmer plowed the field and left it without seeds. He just couldn’t decide what to plant.
This time a wind blew the pumpkins out of the field and into town. There were pumpkins everywhere. You’ll have to read the story to find out what happened next to all of them. Let’s just say that were just like they grandfather pumpkin. In our case, our pumpkin and its seeds are sitting on our front step. I am hoping that we will have little sprouts by Halloween. The weather here in South Carolina has stayed warm and sunny. If it stays warm, planting a pumpkin this late in the year may still work out for us. Hooray! This kids gardening project has been a success.
How to Grow Pumpkins at Home From Seed
FAQ
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