Cucurbita pepo Mischief F1 PMT – Compact Lantern Pumpkin for Kids and Kitchen

Cucurbita pepo Mischief F1 PMT is a high-quality, small lantern pumpkin that is both ornamental and edible. This variety combines compact growth, high fruit set, and a uniform, attractive shape, making it ideal for garden enthusiasts, families with children, and culinary use. Weighing 1 to 1.5 kg, with a deep orange color and slightly ribbed fruits, Mischief F1 offers a perfect balance between aesthetics and functionality.

Key Features

Mischief F1 PMT stands out for its uniform, round fruits and attractive, dark-colored stems. Its compact, trailing habit makes the variety easy to grow, even in confined gardens or small plots. The fruits are lightly ribbed and deep orange, making them instantly recognizable as classic lantern pumpkins, but with a friendly, child-friendly size.

• Fruit weight: 1–1.5 kg

• Shape: Round, slightly ribbed lantern pumpkin

• Color: Deep orange

• Growth behaviour: Compact climbing

• Uses: Edible, peel soft enough to cut

Decorative and culinary applications

Mischief F1 PMT is edible, which sets it apart from many other small decorative pumpkins. The soft skin allows for carving or hollowing out the fruit, ideal for Halloween lanterns or creative crafts. Thanks to their attractive size and uniform shape, the pumpkins are also perfect for child-friendly activities such as pumpkin carving and fall decorations.

Besides its ornamental use, Mischief F1 is suitable for various culinary applications. The flesh is mildly flavored, making it suitable for use in soups, stews, or baked goods. Its compact size makes the pumpkin ideal for preparing whole or halved, without creating a lot of waste.

Ripening and harvest

This variety has a ripening period of approximately 90 days, making it a mid-early to late-ripening variety that reliably produces fruit. Thanks to its high fruit set and uniform growth, both novice and experienced gardeners can count on a consistent harvest of beautiful lantern pumpkins.

Cultivation advice

Mischief F1 grows best in warm, well-drained soil. It can be pre-grown from late April or sown directly from early May.

• Optimal germination: 24–30 °C

• Sowing method: Place the pointed side of the seed down or flat.

• Humidity: Do not keep the seeds too moist

• After germination: Place young plants in a lighter and cooler place

Space requirements and growth behaviour

Thanks to its compact, trailing growth habit, Mischief F1 PMT can be grown relatively efficiently, but the variety still needs sufficient space to ensure optimal fruit development and uniform size. We recommend approximately 2 m² per plant. This spacing supports healthy plant development and maximum yield.