Seminole Pumpkin: Everything you NEED to Know

[@krystlerevia1715]

Thank you for this video! I watched it mid summer when the svb had ravaged 19 of my squash plants & it motivated me to plant some. They’re doing amazing! I planted them at the front of my side porch and they’re running about 20’ down my sheep panel railing. The flowers are beautiful & the vines are thick & I just love it! The dogs eat the small pumpkins that hang inside the porch but it’s loaded with pumpkins outside too! So far it’s been my favorite plant in beauty & size alone! Can’t wait to harvest!

[@susanchavez8197]

We love Seminal Pumpkins. Our favorite way to prepare them is to cut them on half and remove the guts. Then I add butter to the inside and roast like a squash until soft. Then add brown sugar and pecans and roast 10 minutes more. It’s so delicious!!!

[@Alaytheia]

Considering pollination, I've had the best success by literally sticking the male flower into the center of the female flower... lol pardon the crude terminology!😅 You should easily see if the pollen is gone or less viable. Gently remove the male flower petals from around the center first so it fits better, then fold the female petals over the male to hold it in place. I typically leave it like this until it falls off or rots naturally.

[@WildFloridian]

That sis soooo smart!

[@Alaytheia]

@@WildFloridian well thank ya, hopefully I helped someone else! 💖✌️😁

[@banananookfoodforest49]

Great video! We planted two pumpkins back in August '22; cold snap in January killed both overnight. Turned out one section of vine had rooted into the yard. Pruned it from the dead main plant and babied it a bit. That same vine which survived has four pumpkins ripening on it right now in June '23. How? What? Amazing! Lee County, FL/Zone 10

[@lplympton]

Listening with earphones and 8:42 got me good, hahaha!

[@WildFloridian]

Me too! When I was editing, my head whipped so fast 😂

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

I like the Q/A style video! Great info. My Seminole blooms are around the corner.

[@WildFloridian]

That's great!!!

[@joshalynnwardful]

Thanks so much Jacqueline!! I love when you do individual plant videos!! I’ve been waiting for this one!! Thanks again!!

[@WildFloridian]

Yay! I'm glad! I love to do them! Any requests for the future?

[@angelawoodley78]

I live in chassahowitzka and this year I have pumpkins growing wild in my yard.

[@je-fq7ve]

Up North, I used to pick all the flowers in late August and make fritters. a basket of squash flowers smells like summer. I picked them so they would finish ripening the other fruits and not spend time on ones that wont be ready before the frost.

[@buckaroobonsaitree7488]

Mine are in full sun, if they start to wilt i put on the water and let them have a very very very long deep drink. North Central FL. If youre up north count 120 days backwards from your FIRST frost date to find out the latest you can plant in your zone for agood ruleof thumb

[@TrickyVickey]

I kept a Seminole pumpkin someone gave me for 18 months and when I finally cut it I kept the seed to plant and baked the meat with butter. It was the best flavor winter-like squash variety I had ever eaten.

[@WildFloridian]

18 months!!!! Awesome! That is good for me to hear... because I need to still get through last year's harvest.

[@CalliezKl4wz]

Best info I’ve seen on Seminole pumpkins by far. Thank you.

[@laurabrewer6722]

I just planted seminole pumpkins because of you! Thanks for the great video.

[@jo-annjewett198]

Planted my Seminole pumpkins in a 40 gallon grow bag. We took out about a 20x20 area of grass and laid down weed barrier and wood chips. I hope they do well.

[@richardhendry3883]

Great video. All my questions answered. It’s July and I have the space. Here we go.

[@royfulk3255]

Love your videos. I planted Seminole pumpkins in full sun. The drought we had was hard on them and then the heavy amount of rain. Their leaves starting dying from the base. You are right about planting in partial shade. They will find the sun. I made a compost pile in such an area and look forward to planting them again.

[@samelita007]

🎉🎉🎉🎉I HAVE MY FIRST SEMINOLE PUMPKIN GROWING! 🎉🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@jimt6151]

Thanks for this video! While I am a Florida native, I now live in Arkansas, Zone 8b. I've been trying to grow Cherokee Tan pumpkins for the last few years, with no good results. I'm going to give Seminoles a try this year on a partial-sun strip next to my vegetable garden. We don't have the rainfall that Florida gets during summer, so I'll go ahead and tie-in to my garden drip irrigation system, and then I can use it or not, as needed. My favorite way to cook "pie pumpkins" is whole, stuffed with rice and sausage or seafood, boudin, etc. in a crock pot. As a truck driver, this is an awesome way to prepare an easy, healthy, single-serving meal that cooks while I drive.

[@JessieNihilist]

PA here. Growing Seminole pumpkins for the first time next year. So sick of vine borers!! Need a bit of a vacation to recharge my pest killing batteries.

[@opheliaflful]

Omg I feel famous lol thank you. I have also since realized our pumpkin attempt a few years ago (with little green worms) may have also been thwarted by being planted near our motion activated lights. Which, come on often at night if there's a breeze. Night light = moths = eggs = caterpillars. No wonder our past zucchini plants in that same place, same issue. Doh! Prior attempt, planted at the base of our oak tree. Hanging pumpkin plans! Whelp, the squirrels of the tree did not appreciate it, killed the vines for spite. Hurricane Ian then decided the tree had to go. There goes that. As much as I covet them, not sure the pumpkins wish to live here. I do, however, have a bright future in yard long beans, who love me :) I appreciate you!

[@WildFloridian]

You are much appreciated Karen! At that is such a good point. We don't keep external lights on in our garden. (Trying to minimize light pollution in the city). My pumpkins have definitely been happier running on the ground but they do climb the little hedge near the lamp post in the garden. May be worth trying just on the ground (keep it simple). And on your yard long beans... amazing! Lean into your success! Your successes will teach you so much about your garden. And can give insights to why things aren't working.

[@elizabethmcgowan9743]

Would love to see the finished dinner you plan to make 😃 it sounds great

[@WildFloridian]

I think there is some old community posts with the dish. 🤔

[@rev.pattysacredwalkhome]

I planted Seminole Pumpkin for the first time this year and the vines are taking off. I have them planted near Sweet Potatoes and other squash. Thanks for the tips.

[@WildFloridian]

Yay!!! Happy Dance!!! 💃

[@TStack19]

I want to say thank you so much! Great information! I'm a native Floridian.

[@WildFloridian]

You are so welcome!

[@TouchDirt]

Thanks for answering my questions! As for pollinators i do have a few squadrons of bees out every morning helping me out but i also just take my small paintbrush and give em some help as well. As for the grass , ive been killing it off in sections and converting it into native plants/beds/mulched areas since i bought the property in July. My biggest concern still is the rainy months last summer turned the entire area into swamp land so ill have to have everything harvested by then. Thank you again for being an awesome channel. Born and raised in Florida and it aint always easy for us gardening down here.

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you Mitchell for asking the questions!!! It helps me figure out what is on y'alls minds. I wouldn't have thought to talk about running into grass, unless you asked. It has been years since I grew pumpkins in grass.

[@mwnemo]

Love growing them. Mine are even smaller. But they taste great

[@samlc69]

Yay, she’s back!! Woohoo!!! Another amazing video! 💚🌱

[@WildFloridian]

I'm back! Thank you Samuel for all the well wishes!

[@karen-hillshomestead]

Great info, thanks!

[@WildFloridian]

Karen! You are the sweetest!!!!

[@davidjslack]

Having the kids plant some this week. Thanks!

[@WildFloridian]

Fun! Great one to get the kids excited and enjoying gardening.

[@howdyEB]

Thank you, I'm glad they are the same thing!🎃 I can't wait to get pumpkins! I want to try them very young and tender, to see if they are like zucchini in recipes. I'm having terrible luck keeping my zucchini plants alive for more than a month or so. It would be really awesome if I can eat them early like that and fully mature, like having two vegetables in one!

[@WildFloridian]

I've really struggled with zucchini in Florida. I was going to completely swear off squash. So I completely understand the struggle. Also check out Luffa for using like zucchini. Grows like crazy... like too crazy. To the point that I got overwhelmed. But you can use them like zucchini too when they are really young. And they grow in the summer.

[@jo-annjewett198]

I just ordered some Seminole pumpkin and hope to get enough to can.

[@WildFloridian]

Once you get them to take off... I'm confident that you'll have enough to can.

[@janstanley538]

I use my Seminole pumpkin in old fashioned oats along with bananas, cinnamon, ginger and allspice.

[@WildFloridian]

That sounds yummy! 😋

[@eliza9822]

That does sound yummy! Do you pre-cook the pumpkin before adding to your oats? If so, do you mind sharing your directions/recipe? Thanks so much! 🥰

[@janstanley538]

@@eliza9822 yes I do precook the pumpkin. I slice the pumpkin in half through the stem. Then I put on a baking sheet covered with parchment paper or a silicone mat. I don’t have the information with me on time and temperature but you could probably check out on Google for pumpkin. Maybe just bake less time. When soft I scrape out the seeds and fibrous parts. I put the pumpkin in ziplocs-either 1 cup or 1/2 c and freeze. When ready to make oatmeal I follow directions for oats (I use old fashioned but any will do) I add pumpkin and really soft bananas in while I am cooking and add pumpkin pie spice and cinnamon to taste. When they are done cooking I add nuts and sometimes a little honey.

[@eliza9822]

@@janstanley538 thanks so much!! 🥰

[@Angie-jg4nz]

I grow the Cherokee tan, which are similar to these, I still want to get some of these seeds for next year😊

[@sandysmith3761]

thank you much!

[@WildFloridian]

You are welcome!

[@seanlorini8129]

Excited to say I got my first 2 Seminole pumpkins. They are alot smaller than I thought but I didnt do much to grow them either. Def planting the seeds!

[@cathyhatfield5340]

Great information! I ordered seeds to give it a try. We love squash and all things pumpkin!👍❤️thanks

[@WildFloridian]

Yay! Best wishes for them to work well in your garden ❤️

[@mollytrap]

This was super helpful! Thanks! My main problem is some kind of animal is breaking open my pumpkins and squash and eating like HALF of each one. The only things I see around are bunnies.. I can’t imagine they’d do that much damage, so it has to be something else..rats? Gophers? No idea what it is, so I don’t know how to address it. 😬 Florida 9B, space coast.

[@WildFloridian]

That is super frustrating! I agree that bunnies are unlikely. Make gopher tortoises?!? I'm shooting in the dark here. Seminole pumpkins are pretty tough.

[@georgewhidden8064]

I've grown on for years. One of my favorite ways to prepare them is to peel them then dice them up. Fry up some bacon and onion add squash cover with lid and look cook for about 45 minutes on low squash will soften up kind of remind you of sweet potato.

[@kelliwebb2870]

Can you make pumpkin pie out of them?

[@WildFloridian]

Yes. But it will be like making it with butternut squash.

[@onelove1950]

Thank you so much for making and sharing these very helpful videos. It is so amazing to me how you know so much about everything. I have learned so much from you.

[@WildFloridian]

Biggest Hug!!!! Thank you. I'm so glad I'm helping you!

[@yesidtac7863]

Muy vuen vlog

[@RevAcres01]

Excellent video Jacqueline! Great alternative plant and appears to be easy to grow.

[@WildFloridian]

Thanks Kim! Yes, I really don't do anything other than move vines so they are out of the way and harvest pumpkins.

[@cheridefries4980]

Thank you, thank you, thank you, Jacqueline, for this awesome video! It inspired me to go right out to my Seminole pumpkin patch and clean it up to get more sun in and spread the vines out. Hopefully that will eventually start giving me larger pumpkins. 😊 Always love your videos! ❤

[@WildFloridian]

I hope it helps!!! Keep up to speed if you continue to have issues. I'm always curious when things don't work.

[@gidget8717]

Great information! Top notch video ❤

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you Gidget!

[@albanymountainhomestead]

Highly recommend a squash ravioli with brown butter and fried sage.... AMAZING... but also recommend using an emulsion blender to puree the pumpkin well for a smoother texture. I am growing seminole pumpkin this yr, and hoping it is as bug and just a tank of a plant as the cherokee tan pumpkins as I've been growning now for a few yrs.

[@ChristopherRoy-y1l]

Excellent video, thanks!

[@rab1d78]

Awesome information. As far as uses, check out Habichuelas Guisadas con Calabaza. That is our go to for butternut and pumpkin.

[@davidlatif7829]

Great video. I decided to try growing Seminole pumpkins this year. I have numerous male flowers and only one female flower. The heat wilts the leaves daily. I water twice a day with hope of rain. I’m not too sure if living in Port St. Lucie Florida is too far south. Zone 10A hopefully I’ll start seeing more female flowers soon.

[@PlumeriaCottageFL]

Where is that fettuccine recipe? We NEEDS it! 😋 Sounds so yummy!

[@WildFloridian]

I got to get it to y'all! Maybe I'll make something you can download for these recipes that I always mention... what do you think?

[@PlumeriaCottageFL]

@@WildFloridian Sounds great! I just picked my first seminole!

[@gidget8717]

Oh! I'm going to try canning it like pumpkin butter. I've bought pumpkins twice since moving down here to can up some pumpkin butter. Its would be nice to grow something myself again that I can use.

[@WildFloridian]

I've never heard of pumpkin butter! I'm going to have to check that out.

[@gidget8717]

@@WildFloridian pumpkin butter, apple butter and peach butter are a type of spiced preserves. Apple butter being the easiest to find in a grocery store. But they all have a similar kind of taste. I've canned small batches of all three since moving down here, and for the first time had to pay for the fruit & the pumpkin. I'm cheap, I like growing my own 😆

[@marychurillo8803]

I live in Northwest Fla. This is my first time growing Seminole Pumpkins (because of you 😊). I'm so excited and so far I have 5 pumpkins that are growing. I noticed on 2 of my pumpkins that something has taken a chunk out of the pumpkin. I can't tell if it was an animal or a bug. Any thoughts and/or recommendations on how to prevent that. I'd appreciate any advice

[@rockermom1177]

Thank you for the tips! I'm growing some now, waiting for them to sprout now. I have a lot of squash bugs here, will keep my eyes out. Also, Can you post the recipes for the two seminole pumpkin dishes that you mentioned?

[@davidlatif7829]

Very informative video. I have a question how many pumpkin plants is recommended for a single person.

[@debbiey9452]

I gave up trying to grow any type of squash/cucumbers over here in Brevard County. All of the fruit gets infested with pickle worms. I’ve tried everything from BT to wrapping the plant in bug cloth at night. Nothing stops them. 😢

[@WildFloridian]

I have had very limited success with other squashes. Seminole Pumpkins are hands down a low maintenance, no fuss squash. Many, and I would agree, that they do best on neglect. You may want to give it a go.

[@shanikacollinstaylor]

I sprinkled Seven Dust on my pumpkin leaves and the worms haven't returned. You may have to reapply it after a heavy rain.

[@AM-yc5tf]

Is it okay to prune the vine back if it is running into areas that we don’t want it growing?

[@eliza9822]

Great question!

[@heika5589]

Planted Seminole Pumkins 3 different times over the past 2 years. They always grow perfectly until the plant flowers, then seemingly the bugs find them and they become skeletonized almost overnight. Same for any other cucurbits such as cucumbers and zucchini. I'm in Zone 10A, Lee County FL. Any suggestions?

[@OmaggyPainex]

I live in the everglades on the west side of Lake Okeechobee, Zone 10a/10b. When would my growing time be?

[@WildFloridian]

Now 🎃 😁

[@GlennByers]

So I have parrots and they started putting pumpkin seeds in the mix and when I'm cleaning the floor or their bowls I take the leftovers out to the fire pit and they started growing pumpkin everywhere. So I started building cover for them by making them grow in a circle. I take the new shoots and direct them in the circle. I put one in a 5-gal bucket and I'm doing the same thing seems to be working. It is 6-17-2024 and they are still growing. I think they are almost done. Wish I could send a photo. I do have a question. Does the skin burn in the sun? Cause it hasn't rained much and a lot of the leaves are dying. I put some old window screens on them. I have been watering when it is hot to keep the leaves cool.

[@dawnwhiting6004]

Jacquline I need help! I am in South Florida and I planted my pumpkins in April I only have one teeny tiny pumpkin. I tried to pollinate them but they still rot and fall off the vine. I gave him a bunch of fertilizer and now I'm getting more little pumpkins but they don't seem to be maturing even though I am fertilizing them and pollinating them. I have noticed that there are a ton of ants in the flowers every morning eating the pollen. Are they eating all of the pollen? What is going on? Thanks for all you do!

[@nancyn.226]

Thinking about the pollination issue, have you or any other gardeners tried hand pollination for squash or pumpkins?

[@WildFloridian]

Nope. I have loads of bees that pollinate my pumpkins. Plants like dotted horsemint and other native flowers keep a high population of bees in my garden

[@olgag5385]

Pumpkin is very good for your dog as well, if you want to give some to.your dog, cook it, mix it with his/her food and serve it. Your dog will thank you. ❤

[@Syndogon]

Can you grow in zone 8, Chihuahuan desert? We have cold winters and we're a windy area.

[@archangel20031]

Pumkins can grow roots from stems so bury the stems and the plant will grow stronger and better.

[@brandonmonroe7050]

These pumpkins are nice I'm on Texas not much will make it in our heat I'm about to try these in the spring. In your opinion are they good eating? I mean are they meaty inside or is it mostly seed cavity like most pumpkin

[@TheSafecrkr1]

I can't wait to try Seminole pumpkins. Can they be grown over a drain field for the septic tank? At one point about 20 years ago a gardener from the local Marion County ag Center said that you could grow anything over the septic tank as long as you wash the fruit first is that true?

[@gregleach5833]

I grew tomatoes over a septic tank and the plants grew 8 feet tall thick and bushy with deep green leaves but not one tomato .

[@sierrarazevich1962]

Me to first time growing

[@rushjay5549]

I am having trouble with my pumpkins rotting as they just start to grow into a pumpkin from the flower. They are covered in a fuzzy mold. I have them planted on mulch. What is the possible solution to help my pumpkins from doing this?

[@bbeott]

BROWARD county. Getting ready to plant. Most my edibles I’ve moved to my patio because the iguanas eat everything. Do I have a chance with this plant out in my yard ? Will iguanas eat all the leaves and flowers ? 😢

[@lmartine]

Hi where to get seminole pumpkin seeds? please & thank you

[@WildFloridian]

Southern Exposure online

[@hernandezgrp]

Planted seminole pumpkin vines in too much sun, I've lost every female before the flower is able to grow large enough to open. The babies turn yellow/brown/black. I've fertilized, soil tested , monitored water and now have a shade cloth. Is it now too late to grow them if the shade cloth corrects the issue? Should I call it for the season and try next season? Vines are still growing lots of healthy vines...thanks

[@DWaller1978]

We do have air conditioning but we keep the house at 80. Do you think they could still last a year with a long stem?

[@WildFloridian]

Potentially. Our house is at 77 degrees F.

[@hfrench789]

this is gonna sound funny, but I have broken many vines including cucumber, squash, and even everglades tomatoes. I put them back together with a bandaid, yes, a bandaid! I just put them back together as evenly as I could, and they grew just fine. may not work for you, but why not try???

[@WildFloridian]

LOL! So smart! Help fix the booboos of the garden with a band-aid!

[@michealburnam]

My seminole pumkins are green with touches of orange. Is that a different variety?

[@kristenokarski3547]

Thanks for this video! I have an amazing vine growing but once the fruit gets to ping pong ball size it starts to rot 😢. Some of the leaves are yellowing (I’ve treated with Earths Ally disease control) and some leaves have holes. Noticed little white spots on some leaves too. Vine is partially growing in flower bed and grassy area. Any advice on what to do? Really want pumpkins, not just the pretty vine 😂!

[@knewsome47]

Put weed barrier under the plant so critters and bacteria can't get to it. Also pollinate. Don't rely on bees.

[@dawnwhiting6004]

I have the same issue

[@chrisz.9974]

Can I grow them on a live tree instead of a dead oak tree?

[@mindytownsend8094]

Can these be used in a three sisters planting method?

[@WildFloridian]

Yes 👍

[@jle5506]

Worked great for me using 3 sisters method until it got overrun by powdery mildew..my fault for having microspray emitters on my irrigation instead of drip. Still got lots of huge squash though!

[@numerous_use]

I've tried growing them. They seem like a hardy plant until the hungry pickleworms arrive.

[@ellenconforti5693]

I just checked on my seminole pumpkin which was mostly tan but still with some green and was very disappointed to see the side facing the ground (which i put a piece of cardboard under it) was completely mush. Should i take the cardboard out from underneath the others. It does get wet when it rains. Ellen Florida Gardener zone 9a

[@jademoon5996]

can they be grown successfully in Vermont?

[@james_herman]

Chass-a-whisk-a 😁

[@WildFloridian]

Thank you James!!!!!

[@SBC515]

Where do you get Seminole pumpkin seeds?? I can’t find them anywhere.

[@almostoily7541]

I got mine on Etsy from Good Gardens.

[@scottcrowley2061]

Made the mistake of burying fish by a rose bush once.Retriever dug it up and rolled in it. She did thank me, though.

[@marilynearl6887]

My pumpkins leaves are being eaten by some bug any suggestions?

[@WildFloridian]

Do you have pumpkins in the vine? They are very resilient if they can keep rooting

[@marilynearl2562]

@@WildFloridian I do have one pumpkin on the vine and around that pumpkin it the leaves look healthy.

[@GardenToed]

Can you eat seminole pumpkin seeds?

[@lesw3803]

what about hand pollinating??

[@WildFloridian]

I do not hand pollinate. I have enough bees to not require it. Using plants like Dotted Horsemint and Firebush in my garden mean that I have large bumble bees and carpenter bees in my garden year round. But you can if you want to.

[@patriciabroussard5696]

Please answer my tip broke on my semonile tip broke so I clipped it will it start running forward being I cut the runner tip

[@melissas8972]

Will deer eat this down before they every grow

[@danhayes3964]

Have been looking for Seminole pumpkins for the longest time. Do you know of any growers???

[@WildFloridian]

I know you can get seeds from Southern Exposure online.

[@hascjl]

I’m watching this for hints for why my seminal pumpkin That’s been growing great for months has made lots of male flowers and not one single female:(

[@lauramac4846]

I’m in south Florida, Broward county. Do you think its too late/early to plant from seed now?

[@Alaytheia]

Give them a little shade, they'll grow.

[@WildFloridian]

I think you are on the edge. And if I were you. I would wait until fall and just save yourself the stress.

[@mflbikes1870]

Your essentially to late as of now so instead plant your seeds early August

[@carlosgarcia3836]

Dont do it! They are growing over my house taking over the whole neighborhood 😂 just kidding we love them.

[@marsh5818ce]

Around here we pronounce it chasawiska Chaz- a - whisk-ah

[@sophiawish9772]

Please, how do I protect the flowers from these hungry, little lizards!

[@jaydenlee5477]

How many times did she say Seminole pumpkin LOL😂

[@stingray427man]

Wonder if anyones made a successful Seminole Pumpkin 🥧

[@WildFloridian]

I believe there are some videos out there.

[@juliec2134]

I have and it's delish!!! 😋

[@LoriHakaMyHeartCries]

I bought a package of Seminole pumpkin seeds, but I can't remember where I bought it.. ... when time came right to plant them, I opened the package and there were only 2 seeds... I was very disappointed... neither one germinated. 😢.... I've grown plenty of plants now from seeds so I'm pretty sure that it wasn't something that I did... so, I'll try baker creek and see if they do better.... Thanks for the information !!!!!🙏🙏🦋🦋🦋🦩🦩🦩🦩✌

[@WildFloridian]

That is VERY frustrating! Definitely try Bakers creek or Southern Exposure.

[@SouthernLatitudesFL]

How sad that they only gave you 2 seeds! I would have communicated with them over that.

[@geraldfranz9085]

Chill Hill Farms, they have a large selection of Florida native seeds for veggies, bushes, and trees. Good prices and great service, give em a look, you'll be glad you did. Keep on rockin in the green World, peace.

[@randysparks5413]

I planted seeds from baker creek last year.Put them in too late,I did get a small pumpkin but I just let it rot away. This year I have 2 beautiful seminole pumpkin volunteers growing.

[@gregleach5833]

I got mine from Hoss Tools . They have excellent quality seeds

[@TheIngridjoseph]

Great video! Thank you! ❤