Try for Free
tab list
PictureThis
English
arrow
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
PictureThis
Search
Search Plants
Try for Free
Global
English
English
繁體中文
日本語
Español
Français
Deutsch
Pусский
Português
Italiano
한국어
Nederlands
العربية
Svenska
Polskie
ภาษาไทย
Bahasa Melayu
Bahasa Indonesia
This page looks better in the app
picturethis icon
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free picturethis icon
Continue Reading
Field pumpkin
Also known as: Calabaza
Field pumpkin are most commonly seen as decorations throughout the autumn and during the Halloween holiday, when they are carved and used as traditional jack-o'-lanterns. While the taste of field pumpkin flesh may not be ideal, eating the seeds after toasting them with a bit of salt can be a delicious treat!
Scientific classification
Instantly identify plants with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant ID, gaining quick insights on disease prevention, treatment, toxicity, care, uses, and symbolism, etc.
Download the App for Free
Annual, Perennial
Lifespan
Vine, Herb
Plant Type
Summer, Early fall
Bloom Time
Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall, Mid fall
Harvest Time
30 cm to 76 cm
Plant Height
90 cm to 5 m
Spread
Green
Leaf Color
3 cm
Flower Size
Green, Yellow, Orange, Red, Black, Burgundy, Gold, White, Pink, Cream, Tan
Fruit Color
Yellow
Flower Color
Green
Stem Color
Winter dormancy
Dormancy
Deciduous
Leaf type
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Summer
Growth Season
Rapid
Growth Rate

Images of Field pumpkin

Distribution of Field pumpkin

Distribution Map
The native range of field pumpkin is throughout Mexico, where it can be found growing in upland scrub habitats. This plant is widely cultivated in gardens and as a food crop throughout most regions of the world.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Introduced
No species reported
Discover plant distribution and habitat
Gain insights into where plants thrive and how they adapt, helping you identify, cultivate, and protect them with essential information on habitats, distribution maps, and climate trends.
Download the App for Free
Habitat
Meadows, fields, shores of rivers or lakes
Hemisphere Trend Curve
Flowering
Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use
Field pumpkin is often planted by enterprising backyard gardeners hoping to grow some of their own produce at home. This plant is highly popular for its appearance and the popular fruit it produces. A mainstay of the backyard vegetable garden, field pumpkin is best planted with beans, borage, dill, garlic, and oregano for the health of the soil and insect-repelling properties.
Symbolism
prosperity
Interesting Facts
The American pumpkin gourd is also called a cushaw. In the famous Chinese four volume series "Journey to the West", a man carries an American pumpkin to visit the King of Yan in search of his wife's soul. The King of Yan is moved and sends their souls to the world and resurrects them.
Name Story
Field pumpkin: The origin of pumpkin comes with an extraordinarily harsh past. It was first originated from the word, pepon from the Greek language, meaning large melon. The French then changed the word, pepon to pompon, followed by the British changing from pompon to pumpion. Supposedly, the naming decision was concluded. However,the name was finally settled when the Americans decided to revise the naming to pumpkin. Furthermore, it is usually grown in paddy fields, so it is called field pumpkin.
Get quick plant knowledge with a snap
Snap a photo for instant plant identification and learn about its name, symbolism, interesting facts, uses, and more.
Download the App for Free

Cultivars

There are several recognized cultivars of Field pumpkin, including the following common varieties :

Quickly Identify Field pumpkin

1
Large, slightly lobed leaves with a coarse texture.
2
Vibrant yellow flowers with distinct male and female blossoms.
3
Fruit exhibits a diverse shape and variegated coloration.
4
Robust, dark green stem with prominent ridges and tendrils.
5
Leaves with palmate lobing, up to 10 inches (25 cm) across.
Identify plants with a snap
Instantly identify plants with AI: Snap a photo, and get accurate results within seconds.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to identify Field pumpkin

Care Guide for Field pumpkin

Twice per week
Water
Full sun
Sunlight
20 - 38 ℃
Ideal Temperature
Water: Originating from temperate regions, field pumpkin prefers consistent moisture and is moderately drought-tolerant. It requires watering twice a week and benefits from mulching to retain soil moisture, mimicking its native seasonal rainfall patterns for optimal growth.
Fertilize: For field pumpkin, apply high phosphorus fertilizer at planting to enhance root growth, and transition to balanced nutrition as vines develop. Fertilize every 2-4 weeks with 1-2 tablespoons per plant, adjusting as soil fertility changes and field pumpkin matures. Water after fertilization for best results.
Pruning: Field pumpkin benefits from timely pruning, enhancing air circulation and light exposure. Key practices include removing dead leaves and cutting back overgrown stems. Prune in late spring for optimal growth, as this improves plant health and fruit yield. Always sterilize tools to prevent disease.
Propagation: Field pumpkin is propagated by sowing seeds in well-draining soil with ample sunlight and warmth. Amend soil with compost, maintain consistent moisture without overwatering, and thin seedlings to promote strong growth and fruit development.
Get tips and tricks for your plants.
Keep your plants happy and healthy with our guide to watering, lighting, feeding and more.
Download the App for Free
RELATED: How to Grow and Care for Field pumpkin
Plant disease auto-diagnose & prevention
AI-powered plant doctor helps you diagnose plant problems in seconds.
Download the App for Free
close
close
Your Ultimate Guide to Plants
Identify grow and nurture the better way!
product icon
17,000 local species +400,000 global species studied
product icon
Nearly 5 years of research
product icon
80+ scholars in botany and gardening
ad
ad
Botanist in your pocket
qrcode
PictureThis Ios DownloadPictureThis Android Download
Scan the QR code with your phone camera to download the app