Hooligan

Family: Cucurbitaceae Vegetable

Aromatically sweet and richly fragrant, Hooligan Miniature Pumpkin forms a dense tangle of vines that culminate in petite fruits with a deep, burnished orange glow.

The skin is firm yet fine-grained, with a satisfying, velvety interior that shines when roasted, baked, or simmered into hearty sauces. Grow a patch of these charming miniatures for standout autumn displays and versatile kitchen-ready flavor all season long.

Light: Full SunMaturity: 95 DaysHabit: Vine

Planting schedules and alerts are optimized for Columbus (Zone 6b).

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 2nd
Last Frost	Apr 25th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 16th
Harvest Begins	Aug 19th
Harvest Ends	Oct 16th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	12

Culinary Notes

Chef's Note

Hooligan’s petite pumpkins concentrate sweetness and fragrance without getting watery, and their skin roasts into a fine, edible texture rather than turning tough. They’re built for high-heat caramelization—get them browned and soft, then dress or sauce them so the custardy flesh stays plush instead of slumping.

Best Uses

roasting until caramel edges form and the interior turns custardy
baking and mashing for thick, spoonable puree
simmering into hearty pumpkin-squash sauces and braises
cutlets/cubes roasted on high heat for crisped exterior, tender center

Flavor Profile

aromatically sweet deep orange-squash fragrance firm, velvety flesh firm, fine-grained skin that roasts down cleanly

Kitchen Pairings

brown butter sage cinnamon goat cheese smoked pork maple syrup

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are my Cucurbita pepo (Hooligan) plants getting powdery white patches, and what should I do?

Powdery mildew commonly shows up as a white, dusty coating on Cucurbita pepo leaves in warm, humid spells, especially after canopy growth. Remove and discard the worst affected leaves, improve airflow by keeping vines off the soil when practical, and water at the base (not on foliage). If the spread continues, switch to a labeled fungicide suitable for edible cucurbits and apply according to label timing.

How often should I water Cucurbita pepo (Hooligan) during the main growing phase?

During active vine growth and while fruits are developing, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1 inch of water per week, adjusting for heat and rainfall. Let the top 1–2 inches of soil dry slightly between waterings so roots stay oxygenated. Consistent moisture helps prevent small, misshapen fruit and blossom-end issues.

How can I tell when my Hooligan (Cucurbita pepo) is ready to harvest?

Harvest when the fruit is fully colored and the rind feels hard, usually around 95 days from sowing. Check the stem first: it should be starting to dry and the fruit should resist gentle twisting; cut with a bit of stem attached. Avoid harvesting too early—immature Cucurbita pepo won’t store well and may bruise easily.