Pumpkin & Gourd Varieties Guide

Varieties Overview

Pumpkin & Gourd Varieties with appearance, primary use, and notes
Variety Appearance Primary Use Notes
Peanut Pumpkin Pinkish skin with peanut-like warts Decorative, edible French heirloom, sweet flesh, very unique look.
Lakota Pumpkin Red-orange with green mottling Culinary, decorative Nutty flavor, excellent for baking and soups.
Tycoon Pumpkin Large, round, deep orange Decorative, carving Known for uniform shape and strong handles.
Mellow Yellow Pumpkin Bright yellow skin Decorative, carving Eye-catching color, medium size.
Blue Doll Pumpkin Blue-gray skin, flattened shape Culinary, decorative Sweet, deep orange flesh, great for pies.
Pink Doll Pumpkin Pale pink skin Decorative, edible Similar to Blue Doll but with pastel pink color.
Red Warty Pumpkin Bright red-orange with heavy warts Decorative, edible Striking appearance, also flavorful flesh.
Warty Goblin Pumpkin Green/orange with extreme warts Decorative Grown mainly for Halloween and fall displays.
Prize Winner Jumbo Pumpkin Giant, bright orange Decorative, competitions Can exceed 200 lbs, grown for fairs and contests.
Cinderella Pumpkin Flattened, deep orange-red Culinary, decorative French heirloom (Rouge Vif d’Étampes), excellent for pies.
White Gold Pumpkin White skin, round shape Decorative, carving Good contrast in displays, edible flesh.
Mini Gourds Small, multicolored, various shapes Decorative Ideal for table décor and fall arrangements.
Lunch Lady Large Gourds Large, oddly shaped, multicolored Decorative Popular ornamental gourd mix.
Black Bear Mini Pumpkin Small, deep orange Decorative Compact, classic mini pumpkin.
Wee-B-Little Mini Pumpkin Tiny, round, bright orange Decorative, edible Edible flesh, perfect for kids.
Pixie Mini Pumpkin Small, smooth, orange Decorative Similar to Wee-B-Little but slightly larger.
Field Trip Long Stem Pie Pumpkin Small-medium, long sturdy stem Culinary, carving Great for pies, strong handle for carrying.
Little Giant Pie Pumpkin Medium, round, bright orange Culinary Dense, sweet flesh, excellent for baking.

Quick Highlights

  • Best for Eating: Lakota, Blue Doll, Pink Doll, Cinderella, Little Giant Pie Pumpkin
  • Best for Carving: Tycoon, Mellow Yellow, White Gold, Field Trip
  • Best for Decoration: Peanut, Red Warty, Warty Goblin, Mini Gourds, Lunch Lady Gourds
  • Giant/Competition: Prize Winner Jumbo
  • Kids’ Favorites: Wee-B-Little, Pixie, Black Bear