Cucurbita pepo Oilpumpkin – Green Seeds for Oil and Snacks

Cucurbita pepo Oilpumpkin is a unique and versatile pumpkin variety that offers much in both culinary and ornamental settings. This shell-less pumpkin produces green seeds ideal for snacking, roasting, or pressing into high-quality oil, making it an excellent choice for both home growers and professional pumpkin seed and oil producers. With a fruit weight of 3–7 kg and a vigorous, vining habit, Oilpumpkin is an impressive and reliable addition to any vegetable garden or farm.

Key Features

Oilpumpkin is known for its green, seedless seeds, which are perfect for edible uses and oil production. The fruits are not only functional but also highly ornamental, with a gradual color transition from green to orange that gives the garden a striking appearance.

• Fruit weight: 3–7 kg

• Uses: Snack seeds, oil production, decoration

• Maturation time: 85 days

• Growth habit: Luxuriantly climbing

• Suitable for: Home use, commercial cultivation and decorative gardens

Culinary applications

Oilpumpkin seeds are shellless, making them suitable for immediate consumption, roasting, or processing. They can also be pressed into pumpkin oil, which has a rich, nutty flavor and is excellent in salads, soups, and various culinary preparations. The pumpkin itself, when ripe, can also be used for decorative purposes, but it is primarily a seed- and oil-producing variety.

Cultivation and care

Oilpumpkin thrives in warm, well-drained soil and can be either pre-grown or sown directly in the ground. This variety requires ample space due to its vigorous, vining growth pattern, but promises a high yield and healthy fruits.

• Sowing period: End of April for planting out, or sow directly from early May

• Optimal germination: 24–30 °C

• Sowing method: Place the pointed end of the seed downwards or lay it flat.

• Seed moisture: Do not keep seeds too moist

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

The lush tendrils mean that Oilpumpkin requires ample space, and planting distances can be adjusted to suit the available garden space and desired growth behaviour.

Harvest and ripening

With a maturation period of approximately 85 days, Oilpumpkin is ready to harvest relatively early, allowing gardeners and farmers to utilize their harvest in a timely manner. The fruits gradually change color from green to orange, simplifying harvest planning and ensuring optimal seed quality. The seeds retain their freshness and nutritional value when stored properly, making them suitable for both direct consumption and commercial sale.

Decorative value

Besides its culinary uses, Oilpumpkin offers a high degree of ornamental value. The beautiful, rounded shape of the fruits and the striking color gradient make the plant a visually appealing addition to gardens, vegetable plots, and market stalls. Its luxuriant vine habit also adds a rich, natural look to any garden.