WHEN YOU SEE YOUR SEEDS YOU WILL UNDERSTAND HOW BIG THIS CAN GET! A VIBRANT FRENCH HEIRLOOM IT IS ALSO KNOWN AS THE CINDERELLA PUMPKIN!

Pumpkin Rouge Vif d’Etampes is a stunning heirloom variety, also known as the “Cinderella pumpkin” due to its bright reddish-orange colour and distinctive flat, ribbed shape. This French variety, traditionally used for both decoration and culinary purposes, is large, weighing between 10-15 kilograms at maturity. It’s particularly well-suited to growing in Australian gardens, especially in areas with a long, warm growing season. Aside from its striking appearance, it has a dense, sweet flesh, making it an excellent choice for a variety of dishes.

In the garden, Rouge Vif d’Etampes serves as both an ornamental plant and a productive food crop. Its vines can spread several metres, so it requires ample space to grow. While its decorative appeal is undeniable, it is also highly valued for its culinary uses. The thick, orange flesh is slightly sweet and ideal for roasting, soups, pies, and purees. It can be used in classic pumpkin dishes such as pumpkin soup, roasted pumpkin wedges, and even pumpkin bread or muffins. The flesh is also excellent for making silky, smooth pumpkin pie, or you can puree it to add into stews and casseroles for a sweet, earthy flavour. The seeds, once roasted, make for a delicious and nutritious snack.

How to grow your seeds:

Growing Rouge Vif d’Etampes from seed is quite straightforward, though the plant requires plenty of space and sunlight to thrive. The best time to sow pumpkin seeds in Australia is from late spring to early summer (October to December), when the soil temperature has warmed to at least 20°C. Pumpkins prefer a sunny spot with well-drained, fertile soil that is rich in organic matter. Before planting, prepare the soil by adding plenty of compost or well-rotted manure, as pumpkins are heavy feeders and require a nutrient-rich environment to grow well.

To plant the seeds, sow them directly into the soil after the last frost has passed. Create small mounds of soil about 2-3 centimetres high, spaced around 1.5-2 metres apart to accommodate the sprawling vines. Plant 2-3 seeds in each mound, about 2-3 centimetres deep, and water thoroughly. Once the seedlings emerge, thin them down to the strongest plant per mound. If growing in a smaller garden or raised beds, consider training the vines up a sturdy trellis to save space and keep the fruit off the ground.

Pumpkins require consistent watering, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Water deeply once or twice a week, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged. Mulching around the base of the plants can help retain moisture and reduce weeds. Pumpkins also benefit from regular feeding, so applying a balanced organic fertiliser every few weeks can help boost growth and fruit production.

The pumpkins are usually ready to harvest around 100-120 days after sowing, when the skin has turned a deep red-orange and is hard to the touch. To harvest, cut the pumpkin from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a few centimetres of stem attached to help preserve it. After harvesting, allow the pumpkins to cure in a warm, dry place for a couple of weeks, which helps harden the skin and improves their storage life.

Rouge Vif d’Etampes pumpkins are a beautiful addition to the garden, offering both visual appeal and culinary versatility. Whether used for autumn displays or as the star ingredient in soups, pies, and roasted dishes, this heirloom variety is as practical as it is charming.