Cucurbita pepo Skidoo Gold F1 PMT – compact, dark-colored cutting pumpkin with excellent mildew tolerance

Cucurbita pepo Skidoo Gold F1 PMT is a modern and reliable pumpkin variety distinguished by its compact growth, consistent fruit formation, and strong tolerance to powdery mildew (PMT). These characteristics make Skidoo Gold F1 particularly suitable for both professional cultivation and the enthusiastic home gardener who wants a problem-free and productive plant. The combination of attractive fruit quality and robust plant health makes this F1 hybrid variety a real asset to the pumpkin assortment.

Blocky, round pumpkins with a stable, dark color

The most striking feature of Skidoo Gold F1 is the blocky, rounded shape of its fruits. This uniform shape is combined with a stable, dark orange color that doesn't fade as it ripens. The slightly ribbed texture gives the pumpkin a classic, attractive appearance that perfectly suits consumer demand and seasonal decorations.

With an average weight of 4–5 kilograms (ranging from 3 to 5 kg), Skidoo Gold F1 fits perfectly into the medium-sized pumpkin segment. This size is ideal for retail, short-chain sales, farm shop assortments, and home gardeners looking for manageable, decorative, and high-quality fruits.

Compact growth and short tendrils – ideal for limited space

A major advantage of Skidoo Gold F1 PMT is its compact growth habit. The plant produces short vines, requiring less space than traditional, vigorously vining pumpkin varieties. This makes the variety particularly suitable for:

• smaller vegetable gardens

• intensive cultivation in rows or beds

• professional cultivation with limited land

• allotments and compact plots

Despite its compact growth, Skidoo Gold F1 delivers reliable and consistent production. For optimal yield, a planting distance of 1–2 m² per plant is recommended.

Powdery Mildew Tolerance (PMT) – Reliable Crop Performance

One of the key cultivation advantages of Skidoo Gold F1 is its innate tolerance to powdery mildew (PMT). Powdery mildew is a common fungal disease that can cause problems in many aspects of Cucurbita pepo cultivation, especially late in the season. Thanks to improved genetics, Skidoo Gold F1 remains vital, green, and productive for longer.

This mildew tolerance results in:

• a longer production period

• healthier leaves and stronger photosynthesis

• less loss in fruit quality

• lower cultivation risks for both professional and hobby growers

This makes Skidoo Gold F1 an exceptionally reliable choice, even in years with high disease pressure.

Maturation period of 90 days

With a ripening time of approximately 90 days, Skidoo Gold F1 is a mid-season variety. The fruits develop evenly and continue to color beautifully throughout the season. This predictable ripening makes the variety suitable for scheduled harvesting, both for fresh sale and for the ornamental market periods in September and October.

Cultivation advice: optimal growth in warm, well-drained soil

Like other varieties within the Cucurbita pepo family, Skidoo Gold F1 grows best in warm, fertile, and well-drained soil. Cultivation can be started as follows:

• Sow from the end of April and plant out after the last frost.

• Sow directly from early May, as soon as the soil has warmed up sufficiently.

For optimal germination, a temperature of 24–30°C is ideal. Sow the seeds pointed side down or lay them horizontally. Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid wet conditions, which are detrimental to germination.

After emergence, the young plants should be placed in a brighter, cooler location to encourage strong, compact growth.