Cucurbita pepo Jill be Little – Mini Pumpkin for Decoration and Kitchen

Cucurbita pepo Jill be Little is a very popular mini pumpkin distinguished by its uniform, compact fruits and excellent decorative appearance. This improved variety of the well-known Jack be Little is ideal for table decorations, flower arrangements, and culinary applications, making it a versatile choice for both professional and home gardeners.

Key Features

Jill be Little produces small, round to lightly ribbed fruits with a deep orange to dark orange color, which are slightly smaller and more uniform than the original Jack be Little variety. The fruits are ideal for decoration, both in the kitchen and in flower arrangements. Its compact shape and attractive ribbing make Jill be Little an eye-catcher.

One of the major advantages of this variety is its resistance to powdery mildew, which keeps the plants healthy and guarantees a harvest later in the season. This characteristic makes Jill be Little less susceptible to disease, resulting in a reliable yield.

Maturation and yield

With a maturation period of approximately 90 days, Jill be Little can be harvested relatively early, resulting in an earlier and better harvest than most comparable mini pumpkins. The fruits are uniform in size and weight, making them suitable for both commercial cultivation and home growers seeking a consistent harvest.

The fruits weigh an average of 400 to 700 grams and have a beautiful, sturdy stem, making them easy to handle for flower arrangements or table decorations. The combination of compact size, attractive appearance, and edibility makes Jill be Little versatile.

Cultivation advice

Jill be Little grows best in warm, well-drained soil, which promotes strong root development and healthy plant growth. The plants can be pre-grown and planted out starting in late April, or sown directly starting in early May.

The optimal germination temperature is between 24–30°C, which ensures rapid and uniform germination. When sowing, it's important to place the pointed end of the seed downward or flat and not to keep the seed too moist. After germination, the seedlings can be moved to a brighter, cooler location to help them grow strong and healthy.

Growth behavior and planting distance

Jill be Little grows as a vining plant, so the plants need some space to develop properly. For optimal fruit development and air circulation, a space of approximately 2 square meters per plant is recommended. Despite their vining nature, the plants remain compact enough for smaller gardens, while producing sufficient yields for professional and decorative applications.

Culinary applications

Besides their decorative appeal, Jill be Little is also edible. The fruits can be stuffed, baked, steamed, or used in appetizers. Their firm skin and compact size make them ideal for individual portions and creative presentation in the kitchen.