Parade of Pumpkins: 9 Unique Varieties for Decor and Dinner

Fall means pumpkins, squashes, and gourds in glorious abundance at markets and roadside stands. Their rich colors decorate porches and tables, while their flesh stars in hearty soups and desserts. Here are nine standout varieties to know.

Triamble (Shamrock, Tristar, Triangle)

Cucurbita maxima. Sydney, Australia, ~1918. Unusual bluish-gray skin with distinct triangular lobes.

Long Island Cheese

Cucurbita moschata. East Coast heirloom, introduced 1807 by Bernard McMahon of Philadelphia. Smooth, medium-to-large-ribbed skin, flattened like a cheese wheel. Slender woody stem, butternut color. Vigorous vines, heavy leaf cover.

Red Warty Thing

Cucurbita maxima. Marblehead, MA, 1897. Name says it all — bright red skin covered in warts.

One Too Many

Cucurbita maxima. Developed by Rupp Seeds as a decorative pumpkin. Round/oblong with white background, stripey veins, and red speckles — resembling a bloodshot eyeball.

Cinderella

Cucurbita maxima. French heirloom, introduced 1883 by W. Atlee Burpee. Softly flattened top, ridged orange skin — the obvious inspiration for Cinderella's carriage. Bonus: Sweet, creamy flesh prized for desserts.

Lumina

Cucurbita maxima. North American origins (Central America). Ghostly white smooth skin — perfect canvas for painting/carving, especially with contrasting bright orange flesh.

Jarrahdale

Cucurbita maxima. From Jarrahdale, New Zealand. Heirloom with blue-green skin, firm ribbing, flattened shape.

Gooseneck Gourd

Lagenaria siceraria (from Greek/Latin for "flask"). Likely North American origin. Long neck resembles a swan's head and neck.

Blue Hubbard

Cucurbita maxima. Introduced 1909 by James H. Gregory (New England kabocha type). Teardrop shape, bluish-gray skin. Bonus: Delicious flesh that smells like fresh cucumber.

Photographed at Spina Farms (San Jose, CA) and Webb Ranch (Portola Valley, CA).