Cucurbita pepo Coronation F1 – Decorative Pattypan squash in golden orange

The Cucurbita pepo Coronation F1 is a unique, ornamental pumpkin variety that stands out for its pattypan-like, deep golden-orange fruits. This unusual variety can be eaten both young and fully ripe, making it ideal for both culinary and ornamental use. Coronation F1 combines a compact, climbing habit with high-yielding, long-lasting fruits, making it suitable for both home gardeners and small commercial growers.

Striking fruits: trapezoidal and decorative

The fruits of Coronation F1 are distinguished by their unusual trapezoid shape: they widen upward, giving each fruit a visually unique appearance. At approximately 15 cm in diameter, the first fruits are about twice as large as the later fruits that form on the vines. This creates an attractive variation in size and makes the pumpkins very decorative for autumn arrangements.

Besides their ornamental value, the fruits can be eaten from young to fully ripe, making them suitable for:

• Roasted patisson and pumpkin dishes

• Soups and stews

• Special culinary creations and portion dishes

The deep golden orange colour and trapezoid shape also make Coronation F1 perfect for Halloween and autumn decorations, table decorations and seasonal displays.

Growth form and plant behaviour

Coronation F1 grows compactly and climbs, making it easy to manage and taking up little space in the garden or greenhouse. The compact growth pattern also promotes better air circulation, which benefits the plant's health.

For optimal fruit development, it is important to take the tendril behaviour into account when determining the planting distance, so that the fruits have sufficient space and the risk of fungal diseases is limited.

Cultivation and sowing method

Coronation F1 thrives in warm, well-drained soil with ample sunlight. Sowing methods are flexible:

• 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 slightly moist. After germination, the young plants should be placed in a brighter, cooler location to promote healthy, vigorous growth.

The ripening time is approximately 90 days, making Coronation F1 an early harvest variety, ideal for autumn decoration and culinary applications.

Diseases and pests

Although Coronation F1 is a robust variety, the common pests and diseases of Cucurbita pepo can occur:

• Snails

• Birds

• Mice

• Aphids

• Mildew

• Viruses

Sufficient planting distance, good air circulation and correct water management keep the variety healthy and productive.

Uses and applications

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

• Culinary applications: young or ripe, can be used in patisson dishes, casseroles and soups

• Decoration: Unique trapezoid-shaped fruits ideal for autumn and Halloween arrangements

• Hobby and commercial cultivation: compact, productive plants suitable for gardens, greenhouses and small markets

The combination of compact, climbing growth, decorative trapezoidal fruits and early harvest time makes Coronation F1 an excellent choice for gardeners who want to grow both edible and ornamental pumpkins.