Cucurbita maxima 'Autumn Cup F1' – Early-maturing, versatile F1 pumpkin

Cucurbita maxima 'Autumn Cup F1' is a modern F1 hybrid pumpkin beloved by home gardeners and commercial growers for its early maturity, uniform growth, and excellent culinary qualities. This variety is ideal for those seeking a reliable, productive, and flavorful pumpkin suitable for both cooking and decoration.

Autumn Cup F1 fruits are medium-sized, often round to slightly flattened, and weigh an average of 2–5 kg. The skin is smooth and bright orange, while the flesh is deep orange, sweet, and low in fiber. This makes Autumn Cup F1 suitable for a wide variety of uses, including pumpkin soup, purée, stews, baking, and roasting.

Growth and cultivation characteristics

Cucurbita maxima 'Autumn Cup F1' develops vigorous, fast-growing vines that can reach several meters in length. The variety is robust and adapts well to various soil types, provided they are fertile and well-drained.

Important cultivation characteristics:

• Location: Sunny and sheltered, with plenty of room for tendrils

• Soil: Humus-rich, well-drained and slightly moist

• Water: Water regularly, especially during fruiting and growth period

The compact and vigorous plants allow Autumn Cup F1 to produce multiple fruits per plant, while the uniform growth ensures consistent quality and size. Supporting vines can be used for improved air circulation and cleaner fruits.

Culinary applications

The flesh of Autumn Cup F1 is sweet, firm and aromatic, making it versatile in the kitchen:

• Pumpkin soup and stews

• Pumpkin puree for pastries and pies

• Roasting and baking

• Healthy snacks and creative dishes

Thanks to its low-fiber texture and natural sweetness, this pumpkin is a favorite among both home cooks and professional chefs. The flesh also stores well after ripening, making it ideal for use during the fall and winter months.

Decorative value

In addition to its culinary benefits, Cucurbita maxima 'Autumn Cup F1' also has decorative appeal:

• Bright orange, medium-sized fruits are perfect for fall gardens and market sales

• Ideal for fall decorations, educational projects, and creative displays

• Compact growth makes it suitable for smaller gardens and pot cultivation

Cultivation advice

For optimal yield and healthy plants, the following guidelines apply:

• Sowing: Sow indoors from March to April or sow directly outdoors when the soil temperature is above 18°C

• Plant out: After the frost period, at a distance of 1.5–2 metres

• Support: Lightly guide vines upwards for better air circulation and cleaner fruits

• Harvesting: Pick fully ripe pumpkins when the skin is hard and the stem turns dry and brown.

Conclusion

Cucurbita maxima 'Autumn Cup F1' is an early-maturing, productive, and versatile F1 hybrid squash perfect for home gardeners, commercial growers, and culinary applications. With its uniform, bright orange fruits, sweet, low-fiber flesh, and vigorous growth, Autumn Cup F1 combines productivity, culinary value, and ornamental appeal. This variety is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a reliable, tasty, and compact squash for fall and winter use.