Pumpkin ‘Turkish Turban’ Seeds

(Cucurbita maxima

Turkish Turban Pumpkin. This pre-1817 heirloom is one of the most visually stunning and distinctive varieties in existence. Named for its unique, "turban-like" shape, each fruit features a large, prominent blossom end that emerges from a colourful base, creating a striking architectural masterpiece in the vegetable patch.

While often grown for its incredible ornamental value, the Turkish Turban is a culinary delight in its own right. Beneath its vibrant, multicoloured skin—mottled with shades of bright orange, forest green, cream, and red—lies a thick, fine-grained, golden-flesh. Its flavour is deeply nutty and sweet, reminiscent of roasted chestnuts. The firm texture makes it a good choice for hearty soups, traditional roasts, or for use as a spectacular edible tureen for autumn dinner parties.

• Spectacular Ornamental Appeal: Unmatched for autumn displays, centrepieces, and garden aesthetics with its unique shape and vibrant colours.

• Rich, Nutty Flavour: A gourmet culinary variety with sweet, dense flesh that far surpasses standard field pumpkins.

• Excellent Storage: Known for its thick skin, this variety stores exceptionally well, lasting 4–6 months in a cool, dry place.

• Large, Productive Vines: Vigorous plants that provide a generous harvest of medium-to-large fruits (typically 2–4kg).

• Heirloom History: A conversation-starting piece of garden history that has been a favourite for over two centuries.

Growing Information (Australia):

• Scientific Name: Cucurbita maxima 'Turkish Turban'

• Sowing Season: * Temperate/Cool (e.g., Tasmania): Late Spring to Early Summer (once all risk of frost has passed and soil is warm).

  • Subtropical/Tropical: Late Autumn through to Early Spring.

• Position: Full sun; requires a large area to sprawl and very rich, well-composted soil.

• Sowing Depth: 2cm–3cm deep.

• Spacing: 1–1.5 metres apart.

• Germination: 7–14 days.

• Harvest: 95–110 days. Harvest once the vine begins to die back and the stem turns woody.

• Gardener’s Tip: Pumpkins are "heavy feeders"—incorporate plenty of well-rotted manure or compost into the mound before planting. To ensure the most dramatic shapes and colours, avoid moving the fruit while it is growing. Cure the pumpkins in the sun for 7–10 days after harvest to harden the skin for long-term storage.