Cucurbita pepo Gizmo – Robust star-shaped ornamental pumpkin with a modern look

The Cucurbita pepo Gizmo is a striking, modern ornamental pumpkin variety that immediately catches the eye with its unusual star- to flower-shaped fruits. This new variety offers a perfect combination of decorative variety, vigorous growth, and reliable yields. The fruits average about 12 cm in diameter and are slightly larger than those of most small ornamental pumpkins. Thanks to its surprising shapes and colors, Gizmo is an absolute must-have for anyone who loves unique autumn decorations, table settings, and craft projects.

Gizmo is not suitable for consumption, but excels in its ornamental value: firm fruits, a long shelf life and an enormous diversity of color shades make this variety particularly popular with amateur gardeners, florists and decoration enthusiasts.

Unique ornamental value with strong, robust fruits

What sets Gizmo apart from other ornamental gourds is its wide variety of colors and shapes. The fruits are usually star-shaped, which not only makes them exceptionally attractive but also very suitable for creative uses. Think of autumn centerpieces, door wreaths, table decorations, and arrangements with dried materials. Gizmo fruits are also remarkably robust, meaning they retain their beauty for a particularly long time, whether fresh or dried.

The combination of unique shapes and consistent quality makes Gizmo an excellent choice for the ornamental market. Whether for a vegetable garden, ornamental garden, or professional decorative production, this variety effortlessly produces a rich selection of beautifully shaped fruits.

Reliable yield and bushy growth

Gizmo is a bushy variety, meaning the plants stay compact and produce few vines. This makes it ideal for smaller gardens, raised beds, or for those who want to grow several ornamental pumpkin varieties next to each other without them overgrowing.

Despite its compact growth, Gizmo produces a good and consistent yield. With a maturation time of about 90 days, this variety is a fast-maturing ornamental pumpkin, ensuring a reliable harvest from late summer or early autumn.

Cultivation information for successful growth

Like all Cucurbita pepo varieties, Gizmo thrives in warmth, sun, and well-drained soil. A sheltered spot with plenty of light produces the most beautiful fruits and the highest yields.

Sowing and planting advice

• Pre-sowing: from the end of April indoors or in a greenhouse.

• Sow directly in open ground: from early May, as soon as no more night frost is expected.

• Germination temperature: 24–30 °C – crucial for rapid, healthy emergence.

Place the seed with the pointed end down or lay it flat. Keep the soil slightly moist, but definitely not too wet; excess water is a common cause of failed germination. Once the seedlings emerge, it's best to move them to a cooler, brighter location so they remain firm and compact.

Space requirements

Because of its bushy nature, Gizmo requires surprisingly little space. 1 m² per plant is sufficient for optimal growth. This makes the variety ideal for:

• small gardens

• balcony greenhouses

• raised beds

• combination cultivation with other compact ornamental pumpkins

Suitable for decoration – not for consumption

Although Gizmo's fruits are very firm and attractive, the variety is not edible. The focus is entirely on ornamental value: from natural autumn decorations to creative projects for school, home, or flower arranging. Thanks to their firmness, the fruits are also very suitable for drying, after which they can be stored for years.

Why choose Cucurbita pepo Gizmo?

• New, modern ornamental pumpkin variety with exceptional shapes

• Star-shaped fruits, about 12 cm in diameter

• Large variety of colors and patterns

• Very robust and long-lasting fruits

• Bushy growth, so little space required

• Reliable returns in just 90 days

• Perfect for fall decorations, floral arrangements and creative projects

• Ideal for small gardens and vegetable garden boxes