Cucurbita pepo Youngs Beauty – round, robust decorative pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo Youngs Beauty is a beautiful, round pumpkin with excellent ornamental and culinary qualities. This variety combines visual appeal, robustness, and productivity, making it a favorite among gardeners and hobbyists alike. The bright, dark orange fruits are ideal for carving, painting, or using as decoration, but can also be used to some extent in the kitchen.

Features of Youngs Beauty

Youngs Beauty stands out because of its shape, colour and robustness:

• Round fruits, slightly ribbed for a classic pumpkin look

• Bright dark orange color, perfect for Halloween and fall decorations

• Weight between 4–6 kg, suitable for both decoration and limited consumption

• Tough skin, making the fruits durable and easy to handle

• Medium climbing, so the plants need sufficient space for optimal growth

• Maturation time approximately 100 days, suitable for an autumn or late harvest

This combination of properties makes Youngs Beauty a high-quality choice for gardeners who value aesthetics and durability.

Decorative applications

Thanks to its round shape and firm orange colour, Youngs Beauty is particularly suitable for:

• Halloween pumpkins, ideal for carving and decorating

• Autumn decorations, such as table decorations and arrangements

• Painting and craft projects where the sturdy shell makes cutting and painting easier

The combination of ornamental value and robustness makes this variety a favourite with hobby gardeners and creative projects.

Cultivation and growth characteristics

Youngs Beauty grows best in warm, well-drained soils and can be grown as a seed or sown directly:

• Pre-cultivation from the end of April, with planting out after the last night frost

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

Optimal germination occurs at 24–30°C, with the seeds placed pointed-side down or flat and kept slightly moist, but not overwatered. After germination, the young plants should be placed in a brighter, cooler location.

Planting distance and space requirements

For Youngs Beauty, a planting distance of 2–3 m² per plant is recommended. This provides sufficient space for the moderately vining plants, allowing the fruit to develop well and ensuring optimal air circulation. Sufficient space prevents fungal diseases and promotes healthy growth.

Ripening time and harvest

With a ripening time of approximately 100 days, Youngs Beauty is suitable for autumn harvest. The firm, dark orange fruits have a long shelf life, allowing for extended use, both for decoration and limited culinary applications.