Days to Maturity: 92

The finest name in pumpkins is now available from Park Seed. Selected by John Howden himself for success in the home garden, this is the pumpkin Linus might have chosen to grow in his really sincere pumpkin patch. These ribbed, plump, deep orange pumpkins set the industry standard for appearance, vitality, and yields. The heavy-bearing plants yield a big crop of 20- to 30-pound pumpkins, each measuring 13 to 16 inches long.

Pumpkins are exceptionally easy to grow, given adequate space and patience. Sow the seeds outdoors when danger of frost is past or start indoors in peat pots. Plant the seedlings (or thin to) 3 to 5 feet apart.

When you see the perfect carving pumpkin for sale, it’s probably ‘Howden’, developed in the 1970s by John Howden in Massachusetts as the ideal decorative pumpkin. John’s son, Bruce, carries on the family tradition so you can grow your own! These bright orange pumpkins have strong handles, thick walls, and defined ribs that add to its characteristic Halloween look. Each plant produces 12, 1822 pound pumpkins on long vines.