Cucurbita pepo Little Lantern – Compact and Edible Mini Halloween Pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo Little Lantern is a unique, spherical mini pumpkin that is both decorative and edible. With its round, glossy fruits and compact, bushy growth habit, this variety is ideal for home gardeners, culinary enthusiasts, and autumn decorations, such as Halloween. The fruits range from 1 to 2 kg, making Little Lantern a perfect mini pumpkin for carving and ornamental use.

Key Features

Little Lantern stands out for its beautiful, round, and evenly distributed fruits that grow on compact, bushy plants. Its attractive appearance makes it a focal point in any garden or on any decorative table. The variety is not only decorative but also culinary versatile: the fruits can be used in pies, soups, bread, and other dishes.

Thanks to its stable growth and uniform fruit, Little Lantern is ideal for gardeners who want reliable harvest quality and easy-to-manage plants. The combination of ornamental value and edibility makes this variety particularly attractive for families, children's activities, and themed autumn arrangements.

Ripening and harvest

The ripening period is approximately 90 days, making Little Lantern a mid-early harvest. It's important to harvest the berries on time to ensure they retain their optimal flavor, texture, and shelf life.

Young fruits are ideal for preparing soft and tender dishes, while fully ripe ones are perfect for decoration and have a longer shelf life. Due to the regular harvest and compact plant structure, multiple plants can be grown in a relatively small area, ideal for vegetable gardens or smaller plots.

Cultivation advice

Little Lantern grows best in warm, well-drained, nutrient-rich soil. Seeds can be pre-sown starting in late April or directly sown starting in early May.

For optimal germination, a temperature of 24–30°C is recommended. When sowing, it is recommended to place the pointed end of the seed downward or flat and not to keep the seed too moist. After germination, the young plants can be moved to a brighter, cooler location to develop strong, healthy plants.

Growth behavior and planting distance

Little Lantern grows compactly as a shrub with a moderately climbing habit. The plants require approximately 1–2 square meters of space per plant, making them suitable for both small and medium-sized gardens. Thanks to its manageable growth pattern, this variety is easy to combine with other ornamental and edible pumpkins.

Culinary applications

Little Lantern is very versatile in the kitchen:

• Pies and pastries: The flesh is soft and sweet, ideal for pumpkin pie or bread.

• Soups and stews: quick-cooking and aromatic, with a fine texture.

• Roasted or baked: retains its shape and develops a mild, sweet flavour.

• Decorative and edible: perfect for Halloween decorations that can later be used for culinary purposes.