Hooligan

Miniature Pumpkin

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 95d to harvest Vine

Aromatically sweet and richly fragrant, Hooligan Miniature Pumpkin forms a dense tangle of vines that culminate in petite fruits …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	May 20th
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 3rd
Harvest Begins	Sep 6th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

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

Recommended Companions

Peaches and Cream Corn

Autumn Beauty Corn

Calico Corn Corn

Earth Tones Dent Corn

Butter and Sugar Corn

Whiteout Corn

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.

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.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 12 days first.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

Start with warm soil and transplant only when nights stay reliably warm, then mulch to keep moisture steady for fast vine growth.