Cucurbita pepo Striped Crowns mixture – colorful, claw-shaped and decorative

Cucurbita pepo Striped Crowns Mixture is a striking and decorative ornamental pumpkin mixture that immediately draws attention with its colorful, claw-shaped fruits. This variety is a perfect choice for gardeners and hobbyists looking for a lavishly decorative pumpkin for fall and Halloween arrangements. The mixture is slightly more colorful than the well-known Shenot Crowns and is characterized by beautiful stripes on the fruits, making each harvest unique and attractive.

Colorful claw-shaped fruits of 10–12 cm

The fruits of the Striped Crowns mixture are claw-shaped, giving them a playful and striking appearance. The average diameter of the fruits is between 10 and 12 centimeters, making them handy and easy to use in decorative applications. Characteristic of this variety are:

• Many colours and stripes, which makes the mixture look particularly lively

• Highly decorative, ideal for autumn decoration and arrangements

• Handy size, suitable for table decoration and creative projects

The combination of color, shape and uniformity makes Striped Crowns a favorite for both amateur and professional gardeners.

Real ornamental pumpkin – not suitable for consumption

The Striped Crowns mixture is a truly ornamental pumpkin. The fruits are not suitable for consumption, but make excellent decorative elements in:

• autumn arrangements and flower arrangements

• Halloween decorations

• creative projects for schools or children's activities

• sales in garden centers, market stalls and seasonal gifts

Thanks to the striking play of colours and shapes, each harvest remains unique and attractive for presentation and sale.

Strong growing mixture – ample growth needs

The Striped Crowns mixture is a vigorous vine, meaning the plants spread intensively throughout the season. Sufficient space is essential for healthy growth and optimal fruit development. The variety performs best when planted in warm, well-drained, and fertile soil. Its vigorous vine growth makes it suitable for:

• large vegetable gardens and beds

• intensive ornamental pumpkin cultivation

• commercial sale of decorative pumpkins

Good air circulation around the plants prevents fungal problems and promotes the uniformity and quality of the fruits.

Maturation period of 100 days – reliable harvest

The Striped Crowns mixture has a ripening time of approximately 100 days, making it a mid- to late-season variety within the Cucurbita pepo range. The fruits develop evenly and retain their color and firmness for a long time, making them ideal for harvesting and display throughout the autumn season.

Cultivation advice for a successful harvest

For optimal growth and decorative quality, the Striped Crowns mixture is grown in warm, well-drained soil. Cultivation can be started in two ways:

• Sow from the end of April, followed by planting out after the last night frost.

• Sow directly from early May, as soon as the soil is sufficiently warm.

For optimal germination, a temperature of 24–30°C is ideal. The seeds should be placed pointed-side down or flat and kept slightly moist, but not wet. After germination, the young plants should be placed in a bright, cooler location to promote strong, compact growth.

Planting distance and space requirements

Because the Striped Crowns mixture is a strong vine, the optimal planting distance depends on the available surface area and the desired fruit development. Sufficient space is generally recommended so the plants can grow without interfering with each other, with a surface area of ​​approximately 2 m² per plant as a guideline. This ensures maximum air circulation, healthy leaves, and an optimal harvest of uniform ornamental pumpkins.