Cucurbita pepo Rascal F1 PMT – Compact, deep orange pumpkin with high culinary and ornamental value

Cucurbita pepo Rascal F1 PMT is one of the most striking small pumpkins in the Cucurbita pepo range. This variety combines compact growth, high fruit quality, and excellent powdery mildew tolerance (PMT), making it a reliable choice for both amateur gardeners and professional growers.

Weighing approximately 2.0–3.0 kg, Rascal F1 offers a convenient size suitable for various applications. The fruits are deep orange, beautifully ribbed, and have a sturdy stem, making them both aesthetically pleasing and practical to handle.

Small, impressive fruits for kitchen and decoration

Rascal F1 PMT is known for its stable, uniformly shaped fruits. The deep orange color and regular ribs give the pumpkin a classic look, while the sturdy stem ensures long shelf life. This makes Rascal F1 suitable for:

• Culinary applications: ideal for pumpkin soup, casseroles, purees and other recipes.

• Decorative purposes: small table decorations, autumnal arrangements or combinations with other ornamental pumpkins.

• Workshops and educational projects: thanks to the handy size and firm fruit.

Its compact size of 2–3 kg is also practical for transport and storage, making Rascal F1 a versatile and reliable variety.

Growth and cultivation characteristics

Rascal F1 PMT has a moderately trailing growth pattern, keeping the plants manageable while still providing ample space for healthy fruit development. The variety is prolific and produces multiple fruits per plant, resulting in a high yield per square meter.

Thanks to its mildew tolerance, the leaves remain healthy, even in humid conditions later in the season. This contributes to longer fruit set and improved harvest quality.

With a ripening time of around 90 days, Rascal F1 is a mid-early variety, allowing for a harvest in the late summer or early autumn season.

Growing instructions for optimal growth

Sowing

• Pre-sowing: from the end of April indoors or in a heated greenhouse.

• Sow directly outdoors: from early May in well-drained, warm soil.

• Optimal germination temperature: 24–30 °C.

• Insert seeds with the pointed side down or lay them flat.

• Keep the soil slightly moist, but never too wet, to prevent mold and rot.

After germination, the seedlings should be placed in a brighter, cooler location to develop strong, compact plants.

Planting out

Cucurbita pepo thrives best in a warm, sunny spot with fertile, well-drained soil. For Rascal F1 PMT, a planting distance of 1–2 m² per plant is recommended, depending on available space and the desired growth pattern.

Culinary applications and versatility

Rascal F1 PMT is an edible pumpkin, ideal for a variety of dishes. Its firm flesh and beautiful color make this pumpkin perfect for:

• Pumpkin soup and puree

• Casseroles and gratins

• Stuffed pumpkins

• Healthy side dishes and vegetarian dishes

In addition, the compact fruits and sturdy stems retain their shape well during preparation, making them impressive both in the kitchen and on the plate.

Conclusion

Cucurbita pepo Rascal F1 PMT is a top choice in the small pumpkin category. With its deep orange color, attractive ribs, compact growth, and mildew tolerance, this variety offers both culinary and ornamental value. Thanks to its reliable growth pattern, manageable size, and attractive fruits, Rascal F1 PMT is ideal for gardeners looking to grow a versatile, productive, and aesthetically pleasing pumpkin.