Pumpkin seeds | Cucurbita

Pumpkin seeds are special. Not only because whole pumpkins grow from tiny pumpkin seeds, but also because they are little powerhouses full of nutrients. Super fun to grow and delicious to eat! 

About pumpkin seeds  

The pumpkin seed you find in our range is also called cucurbita. Cucurbita is actually a genus in the cucumber family. Not all cucurbita is edible, but the pumpkin seeds in our range are. Be careful though, as birds and mice also find cucurbita delicious. 

History of pumpkin seeds  

Pumpkins have a long and fascinating history dating back as far as 10,000 years ago in Central and South America, where pumpkin seeds were first cultivated by indigenous people. However, these ancient pumpkins bore little resemblance to the varieties we know today, with their small size and bitter taste.  

The introduction of pumpkins to European explorers during the colonisation of the Americas played a crucial role in spreading this fruit around the world. Pumpkin seeds soon became an important food crop in many cultures, thanks to their versatility and nutritional value.  

In the 19th century, American farmers began experimenting with different types of pumpkins and developed larger, sweeter and more versatile varieties. This led to an increase in the use of pumpkins in cooking, including traditional dishes such as pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup.  

Today, the cucurbita is an important crop in many parts of the world, especially in North America and Europe. It is used not only as food, but also as a decoration during Halloween and Thanksgiving. 

Symbol of the cucurbita 

Pumpkins are often associated with autumn decorations and Halloween. Pumpkins are associated with autumn, harvest and abundance. Hollowing out a pumpkin to make a lantern, as in the traditional Jack-o'-lantern custom, has also become a well-known symbol of protection from evil spirits. In some traditions, they are used in rituals and ceremonies to promote fertility and prosperity. The deep orange colour of a ripe pumpkin radiates warmth, cosiness and vitality. 

Growing pumpkin seeds  

Growing pumpkin seeds is super fun if you are a true lover of gardening. Watching these plants grow and flower can be a wonderful experience.  When planting pumpkin seeds, make sure the soil is well-drained and contains enough nutrients for optimal growth.   

Sow the pumpkin seeds at the right depth, usually about 2-3 cm below the soil, and plant them at least a metre apart so that the pumpkin seeds can develop freely. Water the pumpkin seeds regularly, without saturating them.   

Pumpkin seeds need warmth to germinate, so choose a sunny and sheltered spot in your garden to plant them. With patience, dedication and love for plants, you can soon enjoy home-grown pumpkins from your own garden.  

Different kinds of pumpkin seeds  

In our range, you can buy different varieties of pumpkin seeds, each with their own unique characteristics and flavours.   

The popular cucrubita Australian Butter is so beautiful, you almost don't want to eat it. But the taste of this cucurbita is also great to eat. Make it into a tasty pumpkin soup, for instance.   

The cucurbita Bush Baby is not orange, but beautifully green. These pumpkin seeds grow pumpkins of about 1 to 4 kilos. You can make a whole big pan of pumpkin soup from that. Enjoy!  

The cucurbita Queensland Blue is a beautiful blue-green colour. The inside, on the other hand, is orange and deliciously sweet. This cucurbita has a special shape and originates from Australia. 

Alternatives to pumpkin seeds  

Do you find pumpkins a bit too big, but want a special garden? Then consider planting sunflower seeds. These beautiful flowers are lovely to look at and also make birds happy. Of course, you can make your garden even more 'edible'. For example, plant basil flower seeds in your garden too. Delicious to use in a salad.   

Buy pumpkin seeds at FAM Flower Farm  

At FAM Flower Farm, you can buy pumpkin seeds very easily. Growing pumpkin seeds requires patience and dedication, but the reward is sweet - literally! Show your green thumb and enjoy the delicious fruits of your efforts.