I just love pumpkins, don’t you?
Some pumpkins make my home feel cozy, some make my mouth water, and others make me laugh! (Have you SEEN those pumpkins with warts?!)
Here is a list of 30+ types of pumpkins in all shapes, sizes, and colors—with pictures!
Pumpkin Species
First, let’s get technical.
When it comes to pumpkins, there are three main species: Cucurbita Maxima, Cucurbita Moschata, and Cucurbita Pepo.
With these species, there are over 150 different types of pumpkins currently grown in the world today.
Each species has its own unique characteristics and growing conditions, so let’s look at those:
Cucurbita Maxima
Cucurbita Maxima is the species that includes the giant pumpkins that you see at state fairs and pumpkin festivals. These pumpkins can weigh hundreds of pounds and take up to 120 days to mature.
They have a thick, hard skin and a sweet, mild flavor.
They are typically grown in cooler climates and require a lot of space to grow.
Cucurbita Moschata
Cucurbita Moschata includes pumpkins like the Butternut and the Long Island Cheese Pumpkin. These pumpkins have a tan or beige skin and a sweet, nutty flavor.
They take around 100 days to mature and are best grown in warm, sunny climates.
They are generally smaller than Cucurbita Maxima pumpkins and have a smoother, less ribbed skin.
Cucurbita Pepo
Cucurbita Pepo is the species that includes the classic Jack-O-Lantern pumpkin. These pumpkins have a bright orange skin and are typically round or slightly oblong in shape.
They take around 90 days to mature and are best grown in warm, sunny climates. They are generally smaller than Cucurbita Maxima pumpkins and have a thinner, less dense flesh.
They are great for carving and cooking!
Color Varieties
Let’s face it … some of us just want to decorate our homes for fall, and pumpkins do the job well!
If that’s you, color is an important factor to consider. There are many different color varieties available, ranging from bright oranges to pale whites.
Here are some of the most popular:
Orange Pumpkins
Orange pumpkins are the most common and traditional variety. They are typically medium to large in size and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds.
In general, orange pumpkins take around 90 to 120 days to mature and require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
White Pumpkins
White pumpkins, also known as ghost pumpkins, are a unique and eye-catching variety. They are typically medium-sized and can weigh anywhere from 5 to 25 pounds.
White pumpkins take around 90 to 110 days to mature and require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Blue Pumpkins
Blue pumpkins are a rare and unusual variety. They are typically medium-sized and can weigh anywhere from 5 to 25 pounds.
Blue pumpkins take around 90 to 110 days to mature and require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Green Pumpkins
Green pumpkins are a unique and interesting variety. They are typically medium to large in size and can weigh anywhere from 10 to 50 pounds.
Green pumpkins take around 90 to 120 days to mature and require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Red Pumpkins
Red pumpkins are a rare and unusual variety. They are typically medium-sized and can weigh anywhere from 5 to 25 pounds.
Pumpkins of this variety take around 90 to 110 days to mature and require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Tan Pumpkins
Tan pumpkins, also known as peanut pumpkins, are a unique and interesting variety. They are typically small to medium-sized and can weigh anywhere from 2 to 10 pounds.
This type of pumpkin takes around 90 to 110 days to mature and require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
Dream of Filling Your Pantry with Homegrown Staples?
Plan your garden with our FREE PRINTABLE—Staples Garden: What to Plant to Feed Your Family for a Year!
Size Varieties
Whether you’re looking for a small pumpkin to decorate your home or a giant pumpkin to enter into a competition, there’s a size variety for everyone.
Here are the four primary size categories of pumpkins:
Small Pumpkins
Small pumpkins are perfect for decorating your home or table. They’re also great for cooking and baking.
Some popular small pumpkin varieties include:
- Baby Boo: This tiny white pumpkin weighs only a few ounces and is perfect for decorating.
- Jack Be Little: These small, round, orange pumpkins are great for decorating and cooking.
- Munchkin: These small, round, orange pumpkins are perfect for decorating and baking.
Medium Pumpkins
Medium pumpkins are versatile and can be used for both decorating and cooking. They’re also a popular choice for carving. Some popular medium pumpkin varieties include:
- Sugar Pie: These medium-sized pumpkins are perfect for making pies. They weigh around 6-8 pounds and take around 90-100 days to mature.
- New England Pie: These pumpkins are similar to Sugar Pie pumpkins and are perfect for making pies. They weigh around 5-8 pounds and take around 90-100 days to mature.
- Cinderella: These medium-sized, flat, and deeply ribbed pumpkins are great for decorating. They weigh around 15-25 pounds and take around 110-120 days to mature.
Large Pumpkins
Large pumpkins are perfect for carving and making jack-o-lanterns. They’re also great for decorating and can be used as a centerpiece.
Some popular large pumpkin varieties include:
- Big Max: These pumpkins can weigh up to 100 pounds and take around 120 days to mature. They’re perfect for carving and making jack-o-lanterns.
- Atlantic Giant: These pumpkins can weigh up to 2000 pounds and take around 120-150 days to mature. They’re perfect for pumpkin competitions and can be used for carving and decorating.
- Prizewinner: These pumpkins can weigh up to 300 pounds and take around 120-140 days to mature. They’re perfect for pumpkin competitions and can be used for carving and decorating.
Giant Pumpkins
Giant pumpkins are the largest of all pumpkins and are perfect for pumpkin competitions. They require a lot of space and attention to grow.
Some popular giant pumpkin varieties include:
- Dill’s Atlantic Giant: These pumpkins can weigh up to 2000 pounds and take around 120-150 days to mature. They’re perfect for pumpkin competitions and can be used for carving and decorating.
- Super Moon: These pumpkins can weigh up to 2000 pounds and take around 110-120 days to mature. They’re perfect for pumpkin competitions and can be used for carving and decorating.
Overall, the size of the pumpkin you choose will depend on your intended use. Whether you’re looking for a small pumpkin to decorate your home or a giant pumpkin to enter into a competition, there’s a size variety for everyone.
Unique Varieties
If you’re looking for something different to add to your pumpkin patch, consider these unique varieties. Each of these pumpkins has its own distinct characteristics and growing conditions.
Cinderella Pumpkins
Cinderella pumpkins, also known as Rouge Vif d’Etampes, are a French heirloom variety that have a unique flattened shape and deep orange color. They weigh between 15-25 pounds and take about 110 days to mature. These pumpkins are great for cooking and are often used in pies and soups.
Fairytale Pumpkins
Similar to Cinderella pumpkins, fairytale pumpkins have a flattened shape and more of an orange-brown color. They weigh between 10-20 pounds and take about 110 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for cooking and have a sweet flavor that makes them perfect for pies and other baked goods.
Baby Boo Pumpkins
Baby Boo pumpkins are small, white pumpkins that weigh between 1-2 pounds and take about 90 days to mature.
They are often used for decorative purposes and make ADORABLE fall displays.
Jarrahdale Pumpkins
Jarrahdale pumpkins are an Australian heirloom variety that have a unique blue-green color and a flattened shape. They weigh between 6-10 pounds and take about 100 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for cooking and are often used in soups and stews.
Cushaw Pumpkins
Cushaw pumpkins are a type of squash that come in a variety of colors, including green, white, and yellow. They can weigh up to 50 pounds and take about 110 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for cooking and have a sweet flavor that makes them perfect for pies and other baked goods.
Long Island Cheese Pumpkins
Long Island Cheese pumpkins have a unique flattened shape and a tan color. They weigh between 6-10 pounds and take about 100 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for cooking and are often used in pies and other baked goods.
Marina Di Chioggia Pumpkins
Marina Di Chioggia pumpkins are an Italian heirloom variety that have a unique green and warty exterior. They weigh between 6-12 pounds and take about 110 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for cooking and are often used in soups and stews.
Casper Pumpkins
Casper pumpkins, also known as Casperita, are a white pumpkin variety that weigh between 6-10 pounds and take about 100 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for cooking and have a sweet flavor that makes them perfect for pies and other baked goods.
Connecticut Field Pumpkins
Connecticut Field pumpkins are a classic pumpkin variety that have a round shape and a deep orange color. They weigh between 10-20 pounds and take about 100 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for carving and are often used for decor purposes.
Knucklehead Pumpkins
Knucklehead pumpkins have a unique warty exterior and a deep orange color. They weigh between 6-10 pounds and take about 100 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for carving, too.
Autumn Gold Pumpkins
Autumn Gold pumpkins have a round shape and a deep orange color. They weigh between 10-20 pounds and take about 100 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for carving and are often used for displays.
Baby Pam Pumpkins
Baby Pam pumpkins are a small pumpkin variety that weigh between 3-5 pounds and take about 90 days to mature.
They are often used for decorative purposes. They’re so cute!
Kakai Pumpkins
Kakai pumpkins are a unique variety that have a striped green and orange exterior and edible seeds that are great for snacking.
They weigh between 6-10 pounds and take about 100 days to mature.
Kabocha Pumpkins
Kabocha pumpkins are a Japanese variety that have a unique green exterior and a sweet flavor. They weigh between 3-5 pounds and take about 90 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for cooking and are often used in soups and stews.
Lakota Pumpkins
Lakota pumpkins have a unique red and green exterior and a round shape. They weigh between 6-10 pounds and take about 100 days to mature.
These pumpkins are great for cooking!
Munchkin Pumpkins
With a name like munchkin, you know it’s going to be cute!
Munchkin pumpkins are a small pumpkin variety that weigh between 1-2 pounds and take about 90 days to mature.
They are often used for decorative purposes and are perfect for autumn displays.
Small Sugar Pumpkins
Small sugar pumpkins, also known as pie pumpkins, weigh in around 7 pounds each. They have a round, smooth shape with a deep orange color.
If you love pumpkin pie, you’ll probably want to grow sugar pumpkins.
Atlantic Giant Pumpkins
A large, round pumpkin that can weigh up to 200 pounds and matures in 120-130 days.
It is often used for competitions and decoration.
Overall, each pumpkin species has its own unique characteristics and growing conditions.
Whether you are looking to grow giant pumpkins or classic Jack-O-Lanterns, there is a pumpkin to suit every gardener!
If you’re looking for ways to use your pumpkins, check out our post for How to Preserve Uncarved Pumpkins.
