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Pumpkins abound this time of year, with a variety of flavored foods and drinks, outdoor and indoor decor, plus starring in seasonal dishes. Check out the facts below to learn more about this fall crop and Indiana’s important role in pumpkin production.
Looking for farm fun this autumn? Check out our directory of Indiana pumpkin patches to find a farm near you: Indiana Pick-Your-Own Pumpkin Patches.
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- Pumpkins are an original American food product.
- Pumpkins have been cultivated for at least 9,000 years in North and South America.
- Pumpkins are part of the Cucurbitaceae family, vining plants that include cucumbers, squash, gourds and melons.
- In 2023, Indiana produced about 150 million pounds of pumpkins.
- Indiana ranked 3 in U.S. production value for pumpkins in 2023 at $28 million.
- Pumpkins are in season in Indiana from September through October.
- The size of a pumpkin depends on water, temperature, insects, diseases, pollination, fertility, soil type, plant population and weeds.
- Pumpkins are 90%
- Pumpkin flowers are edible, adding a pop of color to salads and stir-fries.
- It usually takes 90 to 110 days for pumpkin plants to grow from seedling to a fully mature pumpkin.
- There are more than 150 varieties of pumpkins.
- Many pumpkins produced in the U.S. are sold to Libby and other companies for pumpkin puree.
See more: All the Pumpkin Recipes You Need This Fall
Sources: Farm Flavor, National Agriculture in the Classroom, U.S. Department of Agriculture
