Cucurbita pepo Kamo Kamo – Decorative Mini Pumpkin with Unique Color Patterns

Cucurbita pepo Kamo Kamo is a beautiful miniature pumpkin distinguished by its round, spherical fruit and striking color. This variety, native to New Zealand, is yellow with green stripes, weighs approximately 600–800 grams, and offers both ornamental and culinary potential. With its vigorous, vining growth, Kamo Kamo is an ideal choice for professional growers, home gardeners, and for decorative purposes during the autumn and Halloween season.

Key Features

Kamo Kamo produces beautiful, spherical mini pumpkins that are perfect for table decorations, flower arrangements, and small culinary uses. Thanks to their bright yellow-green stripes, the fruits are instantly eye-catching and add a refreshing twist to traditional pumpkin displays.

The miniature size of 600–800 grams makes Kamo Kamo very suitable for decorative purposes in the home, on market stalls or as a gift pumpkin, while the firm skin and sturdy stem ensure the fruits have a long shelf life and are easy to handle.

While this variety is ornamental, it's also suitable for lighter culinary uses, such as roasting, stuffing, or using in salads and side dishes. Its mild flavor and compact size make it a versatile mini pumpkin for creative recipes.

Maturation and yield

Kamo Kamo has a ripening period of approximately 100 days, guaranteeing a reliable harvest and uniform fruit development. Its vigorous, vining growth allows the plants to produce a large number of fruits per plant, and the fruits emerge from the eye with a strong stem and beautiful color.

The uniform spherical shape and decorative color play make Kamo Kamo an excellent choice for fall decorations, professional market displays, and home gardeners looking for a visually appealing and compact pumpkin.

Cultivation advice

Kamo Kamo grows best in warm, well-drained soil, which keeps the plants healthy and productive. The pumpkin can be pre-grown and planted out starting in late April, or sown directly starting in early May.

Optimal germination is between 24–30°C. When sowing, it's important to place the pointed end of the seed downwards or flat and not to keep the seed too moist. After germination, the seedlings can be moved to a brighter, cooler location to develop strong, healthy plants.

Growth behavior and planting distance

Kamo Kamo grows vigorously as a vine, so the plants need sufficient space to develop and climb well. Planting distance depends on the vine's growth pattern, but for optimal growth and fruit development, it's advisable to provide sufficient space so the plants don't become overloaded.

Decorative and culinary applications

Thanks to its compact, round shape, vibrant colors, and unique stripes, Kamo Kamo is an excellent choice for home decor, gardens, autumn tables, and flower arrangements. Its miniature size also makes it ideal for stuffed pumpkin recipes, roasting, or creative dishes.