Red warty thing

One of the most stunning squashes around! The big glowing, oblong globes

are a glowing, brilliant orange-red and covered with fantastic bumps! This old variety was introduced as Victorby James J.H. Gregory of Marblehead, MA in 1897. 'Victor', which spent years in storage at the U.S. Seed Bank. It was recently reintroduced as Red Warty Thing. The bumpy, thick, red-orange skin protects the 10‒20 pound (14 in. wide)pumpkins, allowing them to store for many month s.

This unusual pumpkin was brought back through seed provided by the U.S. Seed Bank.

About Red Warty Thing Pumpkin: Red Warty Thing developed from a cross between an ordinary pumpkin and a red hubbard squash. It has a Hubbard type flesh and a very hard, thick rind. This remarkable pumpkin has golden-orange, fine-grained flesh that tastes as great as it looks. Ideal for baking, roasting and desserts! makes excellent pies !! Matches hubbard squash best for flavor and quality.

When to start inside: Not recommended except in very short growing seasons. Sow in biodegradable pots that can be planted directly in the ground. Transplant after last average frost, when weather is warm and settled.

Red Warty Thing Pumpkin Germination: Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their pumpkin seeds indoors a month before the last expected frost. Since pumpkins do not take well to transplanting, peat pots are the best option. Plant two seeds per pot, later clipping off the weaker seedling. Harden the seedlings by exposing them to the weather for several hours at a time during the week before transplanting. About a week after the last frost or when the soil temperature reaches an average of 60 degrees F, plant the seedlings in very rich soil.For companion planting benefits, plant pumpkins along with corn but avoid planting them with potatoes.

When to sow outside: RECOMMENDED. 2 to 4 weeks after average last frost, and when soil temperature is 70°‒90°F

Harvesting: Harvest pumpkins before the first fall frost, and when foliage has begun to dry out. Cut stem with a knife, leaving 3"–4" of stem on the pumpkin. Do not hold the pumpkin by the stem; if stem attachment gets broken, or any part of the pumpkin bruises, the pumpkin may rot. Brush off any dirt or leaves. Ideally, cure at 80°–85°F and 80‒85% humidity or a warm, sunny spot with good air circulation for 1 to 2 weeks before eating or storage. Do not allow harvested fruit to get wet.

Growing Red Warty Thing Pumpkin Seeds: Since pumpkin seedlings do not tolerate frost, provide protective coverings if cold weather threatens. Keep the soil moist at all times, but avoid getting the leaves wet as this can cause diseases such as rot or mildew. When the vines begin to develop, a layer of mulch will help conserve moisture and control weeds; mulch also will keep the pumpkins clean and protect them from too much soil contact. By midsummer, pinch off all the blooms to concentrate the plant's energy on the developing pumpkins.

Harvesting Red Warty Thing Pumpkin: Pumpkins can be harvested as soon as the stem begins to dry and the skin becomes too hard to pierce with a fingernail. Because cold weather can damage pumpkins, they should be harvested before the first frost. Cut the stem with a sharp knife, leaving a 2-3" length." Do not carry the pumpkin by the stem; if the stem breaks off, use it as soon as possible, since this causes the pumpkin to deteriorate quickly. Cure the pumpkins in the sun or a dry location until the stem shrivels; do not wash pumpkins you intend to store. If kept in a 45-50 degrees F location with moderate humidity, most pumpkins will last for up to 5 months. Red Warty Thing is an exceptionally good keeper and should last far into the winter.

Saving Red Warty Thing Pumpkin Seeds: By the time the pumpkin has been cured, the seeds are mature. Cut the pumpkin open, remove the pulp and seeds, and rinse off the pulp. Put the mixture in a bowl of water to remove the remaining pulp; the good seeds will sink. Remove the good seeds and spread them out to dry for 2-3 weeks, stirring them at times to make sure they dry completely. Store the seeds in a cool, dry place for up to 4 years.

Scientific Details

Botanical Name: Squash pumpkin

Genus: Cucurbita

Species: maxima

Cultivar: Red Warty Thing

Seed Start Indoors: Yes

Seed Start Direct: Yes

Determinate/Indeterminate: Determinate

Hybrid/Open Pollinated: OpenPollinated

Also known as: Victor.

• Zone 3 - 9 annual
• Height 1 - 1 1/2 feet
• Germination 7 - 14days.
• Shade Required Full sun.
  
• seed per mound 2-3
  
• 1‒2 fruits on 10'‒15' vines.
  
• 110 days.
  
• 160 seeds per oz.
  
• 12-24" height.
  
• 8-10' spacing.