New England Sugar Pie Pumpkin Winter Squash on a white background.
A pumpkin pie with two New England Sugar Pie Pumpkin Winter Squash with seeds on a light background.
Four New England Sugar Pie Pumpkins with pumpkin brownies on light wood background.
New England Sugar Pie Pumpkins with a quartet of pies and roasted seeds on a dark background.
New England Sugar Pie Pumpkins with pies, pumpkin bread and roasted seeds.
New England Sugar Pie Pumpkin Winter Squash on a white background.
A pumpkin pie with two New England Sugar Pie Pumpkin Winter Squash with seeds on a light background.
Four New England Sugar Pie Pumpkins with pumpkin brownies on light wood background.
New England Sugar Pie Pumpkins with a quartet of pies and roasted seeds on a dark background.
New England Sugar Pie Pumpkins with pies, pumpkin bread and roasted seeds.

Winter Squash Seeds,
New England Sugar Pie Pumpkin

4.142 ReviewsSKU: #SQ131Min. seed count: 20
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Description

(Cucurbita pepo). The noted small sugar pumpkin of New England. The orange fruit weighs 4 to 5 lbs and has fine, sweet flesh superb for pies. Described by Fearing Burr in 1863.

Growing Tips: New England Sugar Pie pumpkins grow best in full sun and well-drained, fertile soil enriched with compost or manure. Make sure the plants receive about 8 hours of sunlight daily. Ideally, the temperature should be 70-95 F. These pumpkins require a growing season of about 100 days.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita pepo
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
100
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

When to Grow

Plant after the last frost when soil temperatures are consistently above 60 F since squash is extremely sensitive to frost. In colder climates, start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them once the weather warms up​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow seeds 1/2-1 inch deep in rows or hills. Space plants 18-36 inches apart in rows 6-8 feet apart, allowing plenty of space for the vines to spread. If you’re starting seeds indoors, transplant seedlings when they have developed a few true leaves and the risk of frost has passed​. When transplanting, be careful not to disturb the roots.

How to Grow

Keep the soil consistently moist but avoid overwatering to prevent root rot and mildew. Water the base of the plants, not the foliage, to reduce the risk of fungal diseases. Use a balanced fertilizer at planting, then side-dress with compost or organic fertilizer every few weeks during the growing season. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and control weeds​.

How to Save Seeds

  • There are four main species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
  • If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
  • Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
  • Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
  • Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
  • Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.

FAQ

How much space do New England Sugar Pie pumpkins need?

Vines can spread up to 15 feet, so give each plant plenty of room to grow. If space is limited, consider growing smaller varieties or training the vines vertically.

How do I prevent powdery mildew on New England Sugar Pie pumpkins?

To prevent powdery mildew, plant your pumpkins in a location with good air circulation and avoid overhead watering. Mulching can also help by reducing the splashing of water on leaves. If mildew does appear, treat it with organic fungicides like neem oil or a mixture of baking soda and water.

What is the best way to store harvested Sugar Pie pumpkins?

After harvesting, cure the pumpkins in a warm, sunny place for about a week to harden the skins. Then, store them in a cool (50-60 F), dry, and dark place. Properly cured and stored, these pumpkins can last for several months.

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