Cucurbita pepo Charmant F1 PMT – Compact, decorative Halloween pumpkin

The Cucurbita pepo Charmant F1 PMT is a novelty among Halloween pumpkins, distinguished by its compact growth, stable, round fruits, and high ornamental value. This F1 hybrid pumpkin is perfect for gardeners seeking a decorative, eye-catching pumpkin of consistent size and quality. Charmant F1 PMT is ideal for Halloween arrangements, fall decorations, and market displays, and its powdery mildew tolerance (PMT) ensures reliable yields and healthy plants.

Striking fruits: ribbed, dark orange and stable

The fruits of Charmant F1 PMT are ribbed, dark orange, and weigh an average of 6–8 kg, slightly larger and more robust than the well-known Racer variety. The round, evenly distributed fruits are highly aesthetic, making them perfect for Halloween decorations at the front door, in flower arrangements, or as a seasonal display. Thanks to their stable structure, the fruits retain their freshness for a long time, even during transport or short-term storage.

Charming F1 PMT is less suitable for culinary applications, but the ornamental value of this pumpkin makes it a popular choice for both hobby gardeners and professional growers.

Compact growth and efficient use of space

Thanks to the compact plant structure, high plant densities can be cultivated, creating weed-free and highly productive areas. The moderately vining growth pattern ensures:

• Easy management of the plants

• Efficient use of available space

• Better air circulation and less chance of fungal diseases

These characteristics make Charmant F1 PMT particularly suitable for small gardens, greenhouses and intensive cultivation for markets.

Cultivation and sowing method

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

• Pre-cultivation from the end of April, followed by planting out after the last night frost

• Sow directly from early May, as soon as 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 100 days, making Charmant F1 PMT a mid-early variety suitable for harvest in early to mid-autumn.

Diseases and pests

Thanks to its PMT resistance, Charmant F1 is less susceptible to powdery mildew and can remain healthy longer. Potential pests and diseases include:

• Snails

• Birds

• Mice

• Aphids

• Powdery mildew (limited by PMT resistance)

• Viruses

Good planting distance and correct water management keep the plant healthy and productive.

Uses and applications

The versatility of Cucurbita pepo Charmant F1 PMT makes the variety suitable for:

• Decoration: beautiful, sturdy Halloween pumpkins for front doors, tables and flower arrangements

• Commercial use: Uniform fruits suitable for sale at markets, farm shops and seasonal displays

• Gardeners with limited space: compact growth allows multiple plants to be placed close together

The combination of compact growth, stable and round fruits and PMT resistance makes Charmant F1 PMT a reliable choice for gardeners who value both productivity and ornamental value.