Howden is the old standard Jack-O-Lantern but there is new sheriff in town. These varieties are resistant to pumpkin disease get larger and have huge stems or handles. You want the best Jack-O-Lantern ask for these because heavy pumpkins last longer. Other variety names are Magic Lantern, Racer, Aladdin, Big Moon, and many more. Pumpkin lovers have been very blessed with the success of plant genetics to create new types. Some retailers do not know the difference since they do not directly visit farm growers. In this case pick the one you like.
Jacks come in all sizes and shapes. Small (5 to 15 pounds), Mediums (15 to 25), Large (25 to 30) and Fancy Large (30 and up). Some have a smooth skin good for painting while others offer deep ribs. Colors also vary.
This slide compares the size of Jack-O-Lanterns with 4 varities of pies.
Many farm visitors are surprised by the the green and other "odd" pumpkins. Most wholesale buyers will not order them. Actually if it is not so green the skin is soft the pumpkin will mature to an orange color in a few days, faster in hot weather. Pumpkin Patches want as many different kinds as possible whereas grocery stores wants a pumpkin that can be assigned one price.
This slide was taken of the first we picked in 2004. They went to the Sherman Texas High Steppers Club for painting. They are our first customer every year as a fund raising project. 4 pies are in the foreground.
