Cucurbita pepo Casperita F1 PMT – Small, white ornamental pumpkin with PMT resistance

Cucurbita pepo Casperita F1 PMT is an exceptionally small, white pumpkin variety known for its graceful appearance, high uniformity, and robust growth. This unique Baby Boo-type variety produces medium-sized white fruits weighing approximately 300 to 600 g, making Casperita F1 an ideal choice for decoration, culinary applications, and creative projects. Thanks to its powdery mildew tolerance (PMT) and high tolerance to mosaic virus, this variety is not only beautiful but also reliable and easy to grow.

Striking fruits: white, uniform and decorative

The fruits of Casperita F1 PMT are elegantly ribbed, uniformly sized, and bright white, which retains its color for a long time when stored in a dark place. This makes the variety particularly suitable for:

• Decorative applications: autumn and Halloween decorations, table and interior decorations

• Culinary uses: The fruits can be fully stuffed and cooked, making them ideal as portion squash for individual dishes or side dishes.

Compared to the classic Baby Boo variety, Casperita F1 fruits are three times larger, whiter and more uniform, giving them a professional appearance for sale or exhibitions.

Growth form and plant behaviour

Casperita F1 PMT grows bushy with compact, short tendrils, making the plants easy to manage and requiring little space. This compact growth makes the variety ideal for:

• Small gardens or urban vegetable gardens

• Raised beds and greenhouses

• Intensive cultivation with multiple plants per square meter

For optimal growth and fruit development, a location of approximately 1 m² per plant is recommended.

Cultivation and sowing method

Casperita F1 PMT grows best in warm, well-drained soil with ample sunlight. The following methods are suitable for successful cultivation:

• Sow from the end of April, followed by planting out as soon as the risk of night frost has passed

• Sow directly from early May, when the soil has warmed up sufficiently.

The optimal germination temperature is between 24–30°C. Sow the seeds with the pointed end down or flat and keep the soil moist to prevent rot. After germination, the young plants should be placed in a bright, cooler location to promote strong, healthy growth.

The ripening time is approximately 90 days, which means that Casperita F1 PMT can be harvested relatively early and is suitable for harvesting in early to mid-autumn.

Diseases and pests

Thanks to its genetic powdery mildew tolerance (PMT) and high tolerance to mosaic virus, Casperita F1 PMT remains healthy and productive for longer. Potential pests and diseases include:

• Snails

• Birds

• Mice

• Aphids

• Powdery mildew (limited by PMT resistance)

• Viruses (limited by genetic tolerance)

Sufficient air circulation, optimal planting distance and correct water management can ensure plant health.

Uses and applications

The versatility of Cucurbita pepo Casperita F1 PMT makes the variety ideal for various applications:

• Decoration: Elegant white pumpkins ideal for autumn and Halloween decorations

• Culinary: portion pumpkin that can be completely filled and cooked, suitable for creative dishes

• Commercial use: Uniform, medium-sized fruits are perfect for markets, farm shops and catering

The combination of bushy growth, short tendrils, PMT resistance and decorative white fruits makes Casperita F1 PMT a reliable choice for gardeners who value both aesthetics and yield.