Cucurbita pepo Grizzly Bear F1 PMT – robust and decorative orange-brown pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo Grizzly Bear F1 PMT is a unique and decorative pumpkin variety that attracts gardeners and hobbyists with its striking orange-brown color and characteristic warts. This variety combines ornamental value with edible qualities, making it ideal for both autumn decoration and culinary uses, such as pumpkin soup.

Features of Grizzly Bear F1 PMT

Grizzly Bear F1 fruits are medium to large, weighing 2.5 to 4 kg. The robust, brownish-orange fruits have attractive warts, creating a striking and robust appearance in the garden or on the autumn table. The variety is very attractive for ornamental use, but also offers good flavor and texture for culinary use.

Thanks to its PMT resistance, Grizzly Bear F1 is tolerant to powdery mildew, which develops relatively late in this variety. This makes cultivation easier and more reliable, even in less than ideal weather conditions.

Cultivation and care

Grizzly Bear F1 PMT grows vigorously, with a robust plant structure that produces a good yield of stable fruits. The variety thrives in warm, well-drained soil and can be grown early and planted out later, or sown directly from early May.

Optimal germination occurs at 24–30°C, with the seeds placed pointed side down or flat. The seeds should not remain too moist to prevent rot and mold. After germination, it's advisable to place the young plants in a bright, cooler location to ensure they continue to grow strongly and healthily.

For optimal fruit development, approximately 2 square meters per plant is recommended. This gives the plants enough space to grow vigorously and produce beautiful, large fruits.

Ripening and harvest

Grizzly Bear F1 PMT matures in approximately 90 days, making it a mid-early variety that is sown in summer and ready to harvest in early autumn. The fruits retain their attractive color and firmness throughout the autumn, making them suitable for long-term ornamental use.

Culinary applications

Although Grizzly Bear F1 is primarily known for its ornamental value, this variety is also suitable for consumption. The firm fruits are ideal for pumpkin soup, stews, and other autumn dishes. This makes Grizzly Bear F1 a versatile choice for gardeners who want to combine ornamental value with edibility.

Decorative applications

With its dark orange to brownish color and distinctive warts, Grizzly Bear F1 PMT is perfect for Halloween, fall table decorations, flower arrangements, and creative garden decorations. The unique shape and sturdy stem make the berries easy to incorporate into creative projects and long-lasting as a decorative item for the home or garden.

Health and possible pests

Like many Cucurbita pepo varieties, Grizzly Bear F1 can be susceptible to slugs, birds, mice, aphids, powdery mildew, and viruses. However, the variety demonstrates good resistance to powdery mildew, so gardeners have less to worry about and the plants remain healthy and productive.