Cucurbita pepo Flynn F1 – Compact, decorative and edible pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo Flynn F1 is a beautiful, decorative, and productive pumpkin, ideal for gardeners who want to combine both ornamental and edible value in a single variety. This American variety is known for its uniformly shaped, deep orange fruits weighing 2–3 kg, which are both attractive and functional. Thanks to its compact, semi-bushy habit, Flynn F1 is suitable for smaller gardens, raised beds, or intensive cultivation, where the plants take up little space without compromising fruit set.

Features of Flynn F1

Flynn F1 produces uniform, slightly ribbed pumpkins with a nice, sturdy stem, making them perfect not only for fall decorations but also for culinary use. Fruit set is very reliable, so gardeners can expect a consistent harvest. The variety also exhibits low susceptibility to powdery mildew, thanks to its natural resistance, which simplifies cultivation and requires less maintenance.

Key features:

• Fruit shape: round to slightly round, slightly ribbed

• Color: deep orange

• Fruit weight: 2–3 kg

• Maturation time: 95 days

• Growth habit: semi-shrub-shaped, compact

• Uses: decorative and consumption (e.g. pumpkin soup or stuffed dishes)

• Resistances: slightly resistant to mildew

Cultivation and plant structure

Flynn F1 grows compactly in a semi-bush shape, making the plants ideal for closely spaced beds. The stable, medium-sized fruits develop in a way that allows for efficient harvesting. For optimal cultivation, it is recommended to allocate 1–2 square meters per plant, so the plants have sufficient space to grow and the fruits develop properly.

Sowing and growing advice

Flynn F1 grows best in warm, well-drained soil. The variety can be sown directly or pre-grown.

• Pre-cultivation: sow from the end of April, plant out after the last 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, but not too wet

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

The optimal germination temperature is between 24–30°C, which allows the seedlings to grow healthily and vigorously. This results in good fruit set and a uniform harvest.

Uses and applications

Flynn F1 is versatile:

• Decorative purposes: its deep orange color and compact shape make it a beautiful fall and Halloween pumpkin

• Culinary use: the fruits are suitable for pumpkin soup, stews, stuffed pumpkins and other dishes

• Harvest-friendly: the uniform fruits and sturdy stem make harvesting easy