Queensland Blue Pumpkin

Summary for Queensland Blue Pumpkin

Queensland Blue is a traditional heirloom pumpkin variety known for its striking slate-blue skin and rich orange flesh. The fruits are large, flattened, and ribbed, typically weighing 3–6 kg. Its dense, sweet, nutty flesh is excellent for roasting, baking, soups, and long-term storage. Hardy vines provide vigorous growth, making it a favorite among home gardeners and market growers. With its excellent keeping quality and superb flavor, Queensland Blue remains one of the most reliable pumpkins for year-round use.

Planting Instructions for Queensland Blue Pumpkin

• General Sowing Time: Sow in late spring to early summer after frost when soil is warmer than 18°C.

• Position: Full sun (6–8 hours daily). Prefers fertile, well-drained loam enriched with compost or aged manure.

• Suitable Space: Best for open fields or large gardens; allow plenty of room for spreading vines.

• Sow Depth: 2–3 cm deep.

• Spacing: 1 m between plants; 1.5–2 m between rows.

• Height/Spread: Strong vining habit; vines spread 3–5 m.

• Germination: 7–12 days in warm, moist soil.

• Days to Harvest: 100–120 days; harvest when rind is hard and fruit sounds hollow when tapped.

• Temperature: Thrives between 20°C–30°C; protect seedlings from frost and cold snaps.

• Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during growth and fruit set. Reduce watering as fruits mature to improve flavor and storage life. Avoid wetting leaves to reduce fungal diseases.

• Fertilizing: Use a balanced fertilizer with extra potassium and phosphorus to promote fruiting. Avoid too much nitrogen, which encourages leafy growth instead of pumpkins.

• Pests/Diseases: Watch for aphids, squash beetles, fruit flies, and powdery mildew. Practice crop rotation and ensure good airflow.

✨ In summary: Queensland Blue Pumpkin produces large, sweet, nutty pumpkins with striking blue skin and excellent keeping quality. A classic heirloom variety, it’s perfect for both fresh use and long storage, making it a must-have for gardeners and farmers.