===== PAGE 1 ===== Kentucky State University Cooperative Extension Connections
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Sweet Sugar Pumpkin: Autumn's Healthy Delight Kwabena M. Sarpong, Undergraduate Research Assistant Richard Kabanda, Graduate Research Assistant Cora Teets, M.S., Research & Extension Associate for Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems Theoneste Nzaramyimana, Ph.D., Assistant Professor for Urban Agriculture ## Introduction and Background - Sweet sugar pumpkins, also known as pie pumpkins, are small, round varieties cultivated specifically for cooking and baking. - They are nutrient-dense, offering a rich source of beta-carotene, fiber, potassium, and antioxidants (Batool et al., 2022). Due to their smooth texture and natural sweetness, they are commonly used in pies, soups, and purees (USDA SNAP-Ed, 2025). - Increased interest in seasonal and local produce has led to a resurgence in sweet sugar pumpkin farming, particularly in fall markets. ## Health Benefits and Nutritional Value Beta-Carotene: Converts to vitamin A, supporting eye health and immune function. Dietary Fiber: Aids digestion and promotes satiety. - Healthy Fat: Seeds have a high content of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids (Batool et al., 2022). Potassium: Helps regulate blood pressure and fluid balance (Mayo Clinic, 2024). • Vitamin C: Boosts immunity and acts as an antioxidant (USDA SNAP-Ed, 2025).
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## Cooking Tips - Make a perfect pumpkin pie with a smooth texture and natural sweetness. Blend roasted pumpkin into smoothies. Bake homemade pumpkin bread or muffins. Use pumpkin puree as a base for soups and sauces. Replace butter with pumpkin puree in recipes for a healthy twist. ## Cultivation in Kentucky • Grows well in Kentucky's warm, temperate climate. - Direct-seed outdoors from late May to early June after last frost (UK, 2021). Seeds need a soil temperature above 70circF to germinate (Wilson & Barickman, 2025). - Matures in 90–100 days (depending on variety); harvest occurs in September or October (UK, 2021). ===== PAGE 2 ===== ## Current Trends in Production Heirloom Varieties: Gaining popularity for flavor and appearance. Organic Farming: Reduced pesticide use appeals to health-conscious consumers. - Seasonal Farmers Markets: A growing venue for local pumpkin sales for fresh consumption and value-added products (e.g. baked goods) (USDA-NIFA, 2001). Edible Landscaping: Home gardeners and small farmers increasingly integrate sugar pumpkins. ## Fun Facts About Sweet Sugar Pumpkin - Fruit by Nature: A sweet sugar pumpkin is considered a fruit. Pumpkins grow from a flower on a vine and contain seeds, which makes them fruits (Texas A&M, 2023). Edible Skin: When roasted, the skin becomes soft and edible—no peeling required! • Compact & Convenient: Unlike large carving pumpkins, sweet sugar pumpkins are easy to handle and store in small spaces. Rich in Antioxidants: Their deep orange color comes from beta-carotene, a powerful antioxidant that supports eye and skin health (Batool et al., 2022). - Pollinator-Friendly: Their large yellow flowers attract bees and help support pollinators. It is essential to protect pollinators by limiting pesticide application. Long Shelf Life: When stored in a cool (50-55°F), dry place (humidity 50-75%), whole sugar pumpkins can last 2–3 months after harvest (Wilson & Barickman, 2025). ## Acknowledgments We thank Ms. Nicole Daniels, Mr. Jody Thompson, and Ms. Kara Back-Campbell for their time and review of this publication. We acknowledge the USDA Evans-Allen Project #7004987 for support of this research. ## Growing Tips, Care, & Maintenance - Crops require full sun and well-drained, fertile soil. Incorporate organic matter into the soil and build high rows to help with drainage. - Black plastic mulch is beneficial for weed control, and it conserves moisture, accelerates plant growth, and reduces fruit rots. - Seeds need to be planted 1–1.5 inches deep. Space hills 2–5 feet apart within the row with 4–8 feet between the rows, depending on variety. In general, apply 4–6 pounds of a complete fertilizer per 100 feet of row 2 weeks before planting. Be careful not to over-fertilize and keep fertilizer off the leaves. Sufficient watering is important. Drip irrigation uses less water, reduces disease, and applies water only at the roots. • Pumpkins are harvested when fully mature, when skin is darkened and developed to the proper color for that variety. - Squash vine borers, squash bugs, and spider mites are the most common insects that affect pumpkins. The best pest control is a regular, scheduled spray program when necessary. - Grow pumpkin varieties that have disease and virus resistance to prevent these conditions.
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## Sources A slice of fall: sweet sugar pumpkin pie. • Batool M. et al. Nutritional Value, Phytochemical Potential, and Therapeutic Benefits of Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.). Plants (Basel). (May, 2022). 11(11):1394. doi: 10.3390/plants11111394. PMID: 35684166; PMCID: PMC9182978. • Texas A&M University Stories. (2023, October 12). Are Pumpkins a fruits or vegetable? Retrieved April 6th, 2026, from https://stories.tamu.edu/news/2023/10/12/are-pumpkins-a-fruit-or-a-vegetable/ - Mayo Clinic - Health Systems. (Nov. 2024). From inflammation to heart health: The perks of pumpkin in your diet. Retrieved April 6th, 2026, from https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometownhealth/speaking-of-health/the-perks-of-pumpkin-in-your-diet • University of Kentucky (UK) Cooperative Extension Service. (2021). Home Vegetable Gardening in Kentucky (ID-128). Retrieved April 6th, 2026, from https://publications.mgcafe.ukv.edu/id-128 USDA-NIFA. (Sept. 2001). Crop Profile for Pumpkins in Kentucky. Retrieved April 6th, 2026, from https://ipdata.ipmcenters.org/documents/cropprofiles/KYpumpkin.pdf USDA SNAP-Ed Connection. (Accessed 2025). Pumpkin. Retrieved April 6th, 2026, from https://snaped.fns.usda.gov/resources/nutrition-education-materials/seasonal-produce-guide/ • Wilson, Jeff PhD & Barickman, Casey PhD. Mississippi State University Extension. (Accessed 2025). Growing Pumpkins for the Home Garden P2905. Retrieved April 6th, 2026, from https:// pumpkin extension.msstate.edu/publications/growing-pumpkins-for-the-home-garden extension.msstate.edu/publications/growing-pumpkins-for-the-home-garden