Cucurbita maxima Golden Pumpkin – Robust, sweet winter squash

The Cucurbita maxima Golden Pumpkin is a traditional pumpkin variety known for its glossy, golden-yellow fruits and creamy, sweet flesh. This variety is ideal for gardeners, amateur chefs, and small commercial growers seeking a reliable harvest of medium to large pumpkins with excellent culinary qualities. Golden Pumpkin combines robust growth, high yields, and long storage, making it a favorite in vegetable gardens, subsistence gardens, and kitchens.

Thanks to its traditional characteristics, the Golden Pumpkin offers consistent performance and a harvest of uniform, tasty fruits.

Characteristics of the fruits

Golden Pumpkin fruits are large to medium-sized, often round to slightly flattened, and typically weigh between 3 and 7 kilograms. The golden-yellow, glossy skin is firm and protects the flesh from damage and spoilage, significantly extending its shelf life.

The flesh is deep orange, creamy, and mildly sweet, with a subtle nutty undertone. Its firm texture makes it ideal for a variety of culinary uses, from savory to sweet dishes.

Growth and cultivation

The Cucurbita maxima Golden Pumpkin grows vigorously with long, healthy vines and broad leaves that protect the fruits from sun and wind. This variety is robust and offers a consistent yield, even in changing weather conditions. Suitable for both novice and experienced gardeners, Golden Pumpkin performs best in well-drained, humus-rich soil.

Cultivation advice:

• Sowing: Sow indoors from April; plant out after the last frost.

• Outdoor sowing: Possible from the end of May at a soil temperature ≥15°C.

• Position: Full sun, warm and sheltered from strong winds.

• Planting distance: 1.5 to 2 meters per plant for sufficient space for tendrils and fruit development.

• Soil: Nutritious, humus-rich and well-drained; compost promotes fruit set and flavour development.

• Water: Water regularly, especially during fruiting and warm periods.

The fruits ripen late in the season and are ready for harvest when the skins harden completely and the stems begin to cork. When stored properly, the pumpkins can be kept for months.

Culinary applications

The flesh of the Golden Pumpkin is versatile and exceptionally tasty. Its creamy texture and mildly sweet flavor make it suitable for a variety of dishes. The firm flesh retains its texture when cooked, roasted, or pureed.

Popular applications:

• Creamy pumpkin soup

• Roasted pumpkin cubes from the oven

• Stews and curries

• Pumpkin puree, gnocchi or ravioli filling

• Sweet dishes such as pumpkin pie, muffins or bread

• Stuffed pumpkin with grains, vegetables or meat

Thanks to its reliable yield and storage quality, Golden Pumpkin is also ideal for gardeners looking to supplement their winter supplies.

Why choose Cucurbita maxima Golden Pumpkin?

The Golden Pumpkin combines robust growth, high yield, and excellent culinary quality in one versatile variety. It's an excellent choice for gardeners and amateur chefs who want a consistent harvest with fruits that are both visually and culinary appealing.

Key benefits:

• Medium to large golden yellow fruits

• Deep orange, creamy and softly sweet flesh

• Robust and reliable growing variety

• Versatile in the kitchen – suitable for both savoury and sweet dishes

• Good storage quality for winter storage

• Consistent yield and robust performance

With its combination of flavour, yield and robustness, the Cucurbita maxima Golden Pumpkin is a valuable addition to any vegetable garden and kitchen.