Cucurbita pepo Yugoslavian Fingers Green – a striking green finger-shaped pumpkin

Cucurbita pepo Yugoslavian Fingers Green is a beautiful, dark green, finger-shaped pumpkin from the former Yugoslavia. This unique variety is immediately noticeable with its 10 distinct fingers and robust, compact, bushy growth, making it suitable for both ornamental and culinary use. It is the green sister of the well-known Yugoslavian Fingers White and offers an original color and shape for autumn gardens and kitchen preparations.

Features of Yugoslavian Fingers Green

This special pumpkin is distinguished by:

• Dark green color, which creates a striking contrast in decorative displays

• 10 clearly fingered fruits that are a real eye-catcher

• Weight and size suitable for kitchen preparation

• Bushy, tendril-less growth, meaning plants require little space

• Maturation time approximately 80 days, suitable for an early to mid-late harvest

The combination of ornamental and culinary uses makes this variety versatile and attractive to both gardeners and amateur chefs.

Decorative applications

Yugoslavian Fingers Green is ideal for:

• Autumn and Halloween decoration, due to the striking finger-shaped fruits

• Table decoration and flower arrangements, because of the compact shrub shape

• Craft projects and educational purposes where children and adults learn about unique pumpkin shapes

The dark green colour and the 10 pronounced fingers make the fruits a striking part of any decoration.

Culinary applications

Besides being a decorative fruit, Yugoslavian Fingers Green is also suitable for consumption. The fruits can be:

• Boiled or fried, for example as a side dish

• Stuffed or processed into soups, thanks to the firm skin and soft flesh

• Harvested young as a vegetable, similar to other young pumpkins or patissons

This variety thus offers a dual use: aesthetic and culinary.

Cultivation and growth characteristics

Yugoslavian Fingers Green grows best in warm, well-drained soil. For optimal yield, there are two options:

• 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. The seeds should be placed pointed-side down or flat and kept slightly moist without overwatering. After germination, the young plants should be placed in a brighter, cooler location to promote healthy growth.

Planting distance and space requirements

Due to its bushy, vine-free growth, Yugoslavian Fingers Green requires relatively little space. We recommend a planting distance of approximately 1 m² per plant. This provides the plants with sufficient air circulation and growing space, which supports healthy fruit and optimal development.

Ripening time and harvest

With a ripening period of approximately 80 days, Yugoslavian Fingers Green offers flexibility in harvesting. Early harvesting produces young, edible fruits, while full ripeness ensures maximum decorative impact. The firm, dark green fruits retain their color and shape, making them suitable for decoration or consumption for a long time.