Cucurbita pepo Flame F1 PMT – Two-tone, decorative and culinary pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo Flame F1 PMT is a striking bicolor pumpkin that excels in both ornamental and culinary applications. This healthy and productive variety combines attractive yellow-orange stripes with a compact, vigorous growth habit, making it a perfect choice for hobby gardens, small farms, and culinary applications. Flame F1 is also powdery mildew resistant (PMT), ensuring a reliable harvest with minimal disease pressure.

Features of Flame F1 PMT

Flame F1 stands out for its round, slightly ribbed fruits, which reach a diameter of 8–10 cm. The unique yellow and dark orange striped color makes this variety particularly decorative and attractive to both garden enthusiasts and market sellers.

Key features:

• Fruit shape: very round, slightly ribbed

• Fruit weight: approx. 300–500 g each (diameter 8–10 cm)

• Color: yellow with dark orange stripes

• Maturation time: 90 days

• Growth habit: short tendril, compact

• Disease resistance: powdery mildew tolerant (PMT)

• Uses: decoration, culinary applications

Growth form and plant structure

Flame F1 has a compact growth pattern with short tendrils, making it ideal for limited garden space or raised beds. Thanks to its healthy growth, the plant develops many firm fruits per plant, resulting in high productivity. For optimal development and healthy fruit set, we recommend 1–2 m² per plant.

The short vine pattern and mildew tolerance make Flame F1 particularly suitable for more sustainable crops and garden projects, where minimal maintenance is required to achieve an abundant harvest.

Cultivation and sowing method

Flame F1 grows best in warm, well-drained soils and can be either pre-grown or direct sown.

• Pre-cultivation: sow from the end of April and plant out after the last night frost

• Direct sowing: from early May when the soil has warmed up sufficiently

Seed treatment and germination:

• Sow the pointed end of the seed downwards or flat

• Keep the seed slightly moist, not too wet

• After germination, place the seedlings in a lighter and cooler place

Optimal germination temperature: 24–30 °C, which allows the seedlings to grow strong and healthy into mature plants with high-quality fruit set.

Culinary and decorative applications

The bicolor fruits of Flame F1 PMT are not only visually appealing but also excellent for cooking. Their compact size and sturdy fruit wall make them ideal for:

• Pumpkin soup and stews

• Stuffed pumpkin recipes

• Decorative autumn arrangements

• Small markets and sales projects

Thanks to their high fruit quality and uniform shape, the pumpkins are suitable for both professional and amateur chefs, while the striped orange and yellow color creates an attractive decorative element in the garden.

Pests and disease resistance

Flame F1 PMT is resistant to powdery mildew, but like other C. pepo varieties it can be susceptible to:

• Snails

• Birds

• Mice

• Lice

• Viral infections

With proper care and optimal growing conditions, Flame F1 remains healthy, robust and productive.