Pumpkin Seeds - Musquee de Provence

The Musquee de Provence pumpkin, often referred to as the "French Cinderella" pumpkin, is a beautiful, heirloom variety prized for its rich flavor and ornamental appeal. Known for its deep orange, ribbed skin and distinctive flattened shape, this pumpkin adds a touch of rustic elegance to any garden or fall decor. It is also renowned for its sweet, dense flesh, making it a favorite for cooking and baking.

Key Benefits

• Beautiful Appearance: With its flattened, ribbed shape and rich, deep orange skin, Musquee de Provence pumpkins are visually striking, making them a favorite for autumn displays and decorations.
• Excellent Culinary Use: The sweet, creamy flesh is perfect for savory dishes, soups, and pies, providing a rich, nutty flavor that enhances any recipe.
• High Yield: This variety produces large, bountiful pumpkins, making it ideal for gardeners looking to grow both for decoration and for harvesting.
• Long Storage Life: The thick skin and solid flesh allow Musquee de Provence pumpkins to store well for months, making them a great choice for fall and winter use.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Musquee de Provence pumpkins grow on sprawling vines that require plenty of space to spread out. They are hardy and thrive in warm climates with a long growing season.
• Fruit Profile: These pumpkins are medium to large in size, typically ranging from 10 to 15 pounds, with deeply ribbed, flattened, and sometimes slightly lobed orange skin. The flesh inside is thick, sweet, and has a deep orange color.
• Maturity: Musquee de Provence pumpkins take about 100–120 days to mature, making them a late-season variety best suited for regions with long growing seasons.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Plant seeds outdoors after the danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed to at least 70°F (21°C). For colder climates, start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last expected frost.

Planting Details

• Seed Depth: Sow seeds 1–2 inches deep into the soil.
• Spacing: Space seeds or plants about 4–6 feet apart, as Musquee de Provence pumpkins are large and require plenty of room to grow.
• Soil Requirements: Musquee de Provence pumpkins prefer rich, well-drained soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0). Enrich the soil with compost or organic matter to support robust growth.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Water at the base of the plant to keep the leaves dry and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.
• During the fruiting period, pumpkins require deep watering to ensure strong fruit development.

Fertilization

• Use a balanced fertilizer during planting, and switch to a fertilizer high in potassium and phosphorus as the plants begin to flower and set fruit. This promotes healthy fruit development.

Weeding and Mulching

• Mulch around the base of the plants to conserve moisture, suppress weeds, and maintain a consistent soil temperature. Be sure to weed regularly to avoid competition for nutrients.

Pest and Disease Control

• Monitor for common pumpkin pests, such as squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids. Organic pest control methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap can help manage infestations.
• Keep an eye out for fungal diseases like powdery mildew, which can be minimized by watering early in the day and providing proper air circulation.

Harvesting

When to Harvest

• Musquee de Provence pumpkins are ready to harvest when their skin has fully ripened to a rich orange color, and the stem has hardened and turned brown. The pumpkins should also feel firm to the touch. Harvest typically occurs in late fall, around 100–120 days after planting.

How to Harvest

• Cut pumpkins from the vine using a sharp knife or garden shears, leaving about 3 inches of stem attached to the pumpkin to extend its shelf life.

Storage

• Storage Conditions: Store pumpkins in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area. Musquee de Provence pumpkins can last 2–3 months when stored properly in optimal conditions.
• Curing: Cure the pumpkins by leaving them in a warm, dry place for 10–14 days before storing to allow the skin to harden and improve their shelf life.

Culinary Uses

• Pumpkin Pie: The smooth, sweet flesh of Musquee de Provence pumpkins is perfect for making pumpkin pies, providing a rich and flavorful base.
• Soups and Stews: The dense flesh works wonderfully in soups, stews, and curries, adding a creamy texture and subtle sweetness.
• Roasting and Baking: Roast the pumpkin with olive oil and seasonings for a delicious side dish, or use it in savory casseroles.

Conclusion

The Musquee de Provence pumpkin is a stunning heirloom variety that combines ornamental beauty with excellent culinary value. Its thick, sweet flesh makes it perfect for a range of fall dishes, from savory soups to sweet pies, while its long storage life makes it a great addition to your winter pantry. Whether you’re growing for decoration or for cooking, this variety is sure to enhance your garden and your meals.