A$3.20
Availability: In stock
Cucurbita maxima
PUMPKIN-WHANGAPARAOA CROWN is a rare New Zealand heirloom pumpkin that came close to disappearing. It has a flattened or squat shape with deep ridges and a prominent, crown-like protrusion at the top. The skin turns a blue-grey colour, while the flesh is a dry, rich, orange-yellow solour. It has a small seed cavity, with a sweet nutty flavour.
Often used in pies, soups, savoury dishes, and is excellent for baking. One of its distinct features is its long shelf life. When stored in a cool, dry place, the Whangaparaoa Crown pumpkin can last for several months without spoiling, making them a practical choice for winter storage.
Fruits can weigh 4.5 to 9 kilograms (10 and 20 pounds). Some can even reach up to 13.6 kilograms, (30 pounds).
Sow directly in the desired growing position. Prefers good, well-drained soil. Keep moist & well watered once flowers appear & during the growing period.
While this pumpkin variety is prized for its taste and appearance, it can be challenging to grow. It requires warm weather and a long growing season, making it less suitable for regions with shorter summers.
The Whangaparaoa Crown Pumpkin boasts a rich and storied heritage deeply rooted in New Zealand’s agricultural history. Named after the picturesque Whangaparaoa Peninsula, where it was originally cultivated, this pumpkin variety carries with it a sense of regional pride and innovation. It has played a significant role in traditional Māori cuisine, becoming an integral ingredient in dishes like the beloved “kumara and pumpkin” combination. Beyond its culinary importance, the Whangaparaoa Crown Pumpkin has made appearances at local horticultural shows and festivals,
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Category Colour Guide
Planting Guide for Australia
Scoville Heat Units (SHU)
Plant Height (cm)
35 - 40 (13 to 15inches)
Season of Interest
Warm Seasons of Spring and Summer
Temperature Range (°C)
18-24°C (65-75°F)
Determine / Indeterminate
Annual / Perennial / Biennial
Annual
Frost Hardy / Tender
Frost Tender
Full Sun / Part Sun / Shade
Full Sun
Sow Direct / Raise Seedlings
Sow direct or Raise seedlings
Soil
Well-draining, fertile soil with plenty of organic matter is ideal
pH
6.0 - 7.0
Soil Temperature (°C)
18°C (65°F)
Seed Preparation
Soak in warm water for a few hours before planting
Sowing Depth (mm)
2-4 cm (1-1.5 inches)
Plant Spacing (cm)
60-120 cm (2-4 feet)
Row spacing (cm)
1.5-2 metres (5-6 feet)
Watering
Regular watering is essential, especially during dry periods. Provide deep and consistent moisture to keep the soil evenly moist.
Germination Time (Days)
5-10 days
Harvest Time (Days)
75 - 120
Good Companion Plants
Corn, Beans, Marigolds, Nasturtiums, Radishes, Mint
Bad Companion Plants
Potatoes, Other Cucurbits, Sunflowers
Pests
Aphids, Cucumber Beetles, Squash Bugs
Diseases
Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew, Bacterial Wilt, Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV)
ABSeeds is an Australian owned business trading under the umbrella of Direct Compost Solutions which is owned and managed by Victoria Brun.
We as a company endeavor to provide to the public, Organic, Old Fashioned, Heritage, and Open-pollinated seeds that have not been genetically modified.
We purchased the business in November 2018 and renamed it to ABSeeds (All ‘Bout Seeds) to make the title shorter and represent what we hope to achieve with this business in the years ahead.
Seeds that we can’t grow ourselves we will acquire from people who grow for us, or we may purchase seeds from reputable heritage seed companies.
ABSeeds is an Australian owned business trading under the umbrella of Direct Compost Solutions which is owned and managed by Victoria Brun.
