Collection: Pumpkin Seeds

Carve a spooky design or bake a delicious pumpkin pie with homegrown organic pumpkins!

8 products

Pumpkin Seeds - Grow Organic

Growing pumpkin seeds can be an exciting venture, encompassing both culinary delights and ornamental festivities. Here's a comprehensive guide to nurturing these versatile squash seeds:

Understanding Pumpkin Seeds:

  • Pumpkin Varieties: Pumpkins come in diverse colors, ranging from deep orange to nearly white, offering various tastes and sizes.
  • Taste Profile: The taste of pumpkin is relatively mild, rendering it adaptable for both sweet and savory dishes.
  • Seed Utilization: Pumpkin seeds, when roasted, become a delightful snack, and they serve as fantastic toppings for salads or soups.
  • Decorative Use: Apart from culinary purposes, pumpkins are widely used for decorations, especially around Halloween, whether for carving jack-o'-lanterns or making scrumptious pumpkin pies.

Cultivation Essentials:

  • Harvest Time: Fall marks the prime season for pumpkin harvesting.
  • Seed Extraction: After scooping out the seeds from a fresh pumpkin, clean and dry them thoroughly before their use.
  • Roasting Technique: Spread them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper for roasted seeds. Toss with olive oil and desired seasonings like pumpkin pie spice, curry powder, or chili powder. Roast until golden brown for a delectable snack.
  • Eating Pumpkin Seeds: The roasted seeds can be enjoyed as a delightful snack or used to garnish various dishes.
  • Pumpkin Flesh Usage: Homemade pumpkin puree can be made from the flesh, offering a versatile ingredient for pies, soups, or baked goods.

Cultivation Steps:

  • Seed Preparation: Clean the seeds by removing any residual pumpkin flesh. Pat them dry thoroughly before roasting or storage.
  • Roasting Process: Spread the cleaned seeds on a baking sheet, ensuring they're in a single layer. Drizzle with olive oil and add desired spices. Roast them in the oven until they turn golden brown and crispy.
  • Variety of Uses: Roasted pumpkin seeds can be enjoyed as a nutritious snack or used as a topping for salads, soups, or other culinary creations.
  • Carving and Culinary Delights: Utilize pumpkins for artistic jack-o'-lantern creations or to craft homemade pumpkin pies, soups, or purees.

Pumpkin seeds, also known as pepitas, are not just a popular snack but also a treasure trove of possibilities for home gardeners. These versatile seeds offer a wide range of culinary, nutritional, and even decorative benefits. 

The Significance of Pumpkin Seeds:

Pumpkin seeds have played an essential role in human culture and cuisine for generations. They are derived from the inner part of the pumpkin, and their significance extends beyond their delicious taste:

  • Culinary Delights: Pumpkin seeds are a well-loved snack and ingredient enjoyed roasted, salted, or used in various recipes for their nutty flavor and crunchy texture.

  • Nutritional Powerhouse: These seeds are packed with essential nutrients, including protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making them a nutritious addition to your diet.

  • Decorative Uses: Pumpkin seeds can be used for creative and decorative purposes, whether for crafting, garnishing dishes, or enhancing the visual appeal of your garden.

Varieties of Pumpkin Seeds:

Pumpkin seeds come in various varieties, each offering unique flavors and characteristics:

  • Hulless Pumpkin Seeds: These seeds have a thin, edible shell, making them ideal for snacking and culinary use without the need for shelling.

  • Traditional Pumpkin Seeds: These seeds are enclosed in a thicker shell and are often used for planting and growing pumpkins.

Cultivating Pumpkin Seeds:

Growing pumpkin seeds in your garden can be an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are some key tips to consider:

  • Soil and Sun: Pumpkins thrive in well-drained, nutrient-rich soil with full sun exposure. Ensure your garden provides these conditions for optimal growth.

  • Planting Depth: Sow pumpkin seeds directly into the garden or raised beds, typically at a depth of one to two inches. You can also start seeds indoors and transplant seedlings after the last frost.

  • Spacing: Allow ample space between pumpkin plants, as they can spread widely. Generally, spacing of three to five feet between plants is recommended.

  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, especially during the growing season. Ensure that the soil does not become waterlogged, as this can lead to rot.

  • Fertilization: Pumpkin plants benefit from regular fertilization, especially with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. Follow the recommended dosage on the product label.

  • Maintenance: Monitor your pumpkin plants for signs of pests or diseases and take prompt action if necessary. Pruning can also help manage plant size and encourage fruit development.

Ways to Enjoy Pumpkin Seeds:

Pumpkin seeds offer a multitude of ways to indulge your taste buds and enhance your diet:

  • Roasted Snack: Roast pumpkin seeds with your favorite seasonings for a delicious and nutritious snack.

  • Culinary Additions: Use pumpkin seeds as toppings for salads, soups, and baked goods to add texture and flavor.

  • Nutrient Boost: Incorporate pumpkin seeds into your diet to benefit from their rich protein, healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients.

  • Decorative Touch: Use pumpkin seeds for crafting, decorating, or as a unique garnish for your culinary creations.

Pumpkin seeds are more than just a delightful snack; they are a source of inspiration for gardeners, chefs, and artisans. With their versatility, nutritional benefits, and culinary possibilities, pumpkin seeds enrich your garden, table, and creative pursuits. Whether you're savoring their flavor, enhancing your diet, or exploring their decorative potential, pumpkin seeds are a valuable and enjoyable addition to your home gardening experience.

Learn more about seed starting in your organic garden with our resource guide and buy everything you need with our Seed Starting Kit.

FAQ: Annie's Shrubs & Trees

What is a shrub?

A shrub is a small or mid-sized woody plant, usually rounded in appearance, with multiple stems growing above the ground. They are generally shorter than trees and do not have a single trunk. They come in a variety of shapes, colors, and textures. They can be evergreen (keep their leaves all year) or deciduous (lose their leaves in Winter). We offer many flowering and non-flowering shrub varieties in various different heights and colors.

What is a tree?

A tree is a tall, woody plant usually with a single, elongated stem, often with few branches on its lower half. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer trees that are more suitable for warmer climates. They tend to be smaller, shorter flowering trees which can be used as useful garden accents or for backgrounds. Our offerings will usually reach a decent height within a year.

What do trees and shrubs do for the environment?

Trees and shrubs help the environment by producing oxygen, offering shade from the sun and providing important food and shelter for pollinators and wildlife. They are like nature's air purifiers!

How do I take care of a newly planted tree or shrub?

We offer instructions for each shrub and tree that we offer. Their care depends upon your climate and growing conditions. Generally, newly planted trees and shrubs require regular watering until they are established. As it grows, trim or prune any dead or unwanted branches to help it stay healthy. The time for proper tree or shrub pruning depends upon the climate and the type of tree. Some should be pruned while they are dormant, in winter or early spring. Make sure not to prune in wet weather to avoid disease. If you live in a cooler area, you can also add mulch around the base (3 to 5 inches from the trunk) to keep the soil moist and protect the roots.

Can trees and shrubs make a garden more beautiful?

Yes, definitely! Trees and shrubs provide a focal point and add balance to a garden. They contribute vibrant greenery, color, height, and texture to any landscape. They can also provide shade, privacy, and vibrant blooms or fruits.

What kinds of trees and shrubs grow quickly?

Some common trees or shrubs that grow quickly are willow trees or forsythia shrubs. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer more unusual, hard-to-find varieties of trees and shrubs. Our selection also focuses on smaller, warmer climate trees that will usually reach a decent height within a year. Some of our favorite options are impatiens, echiums, certain roses (rosa), sages (salvias).

Do trees and shrubs need special care in the winter?

Yes, they do. In the winter, make sure to water them when the ground isn't frozen. You can also wrap young trees to protect them from the cold.

Can trees and shrubs attract birds and butterflies to my garden?

Absolutely! Trees and shrubs with flowers and berries provide an important source of food for pollinators – They are like magnets for birds and butterflies. They can also provide shade and shelter, making your garden a favorite spot for these important pollinators.

How can I choose the right tree or shrub for my garden?

To pick the perfect tree or shrub, think about your garden's size, the climate, soil type, and the amount of sun it gets. Consider what kind of aesthetic you want for your garden – such as colorful blooms or different color leaves.

How long can trees and shrubs live?

Trees and shrubs can have long lives with proper conditions and care.

What are some suggestions for deer-resistant shrubs and trees?

At Annie’s, we offer hundreds of deer resistant shrubs and trees. Some of our favorites are brugmansias, butterfly bushes (buddlejas), California lilac (Ceanothus), echiums, impatiens, lavandulas (lavender), ribes, mimulus, certain sages (Salvia), and yuccas.

Do you have California native trees and shrubs?

Yes! We have a wide selection of California native shrubs and trees that are perfectly suited to their particular environment, thereby reducing the need for water and fertilizer and attracting the greatest numbers of local pollinators and wildlife. We offer one of the largest selections of California natives found anywhere.

What are the different types of trees?

1. There are many types of trees. Some are tall and straight, like the oak and maple. Others, like the willow and palm, have long, graceful leaves that sway in the wind.

2. You can also find deciduous or evergreen trees, such as fir and pine trees, with needles or leaves that stay green all year.

3. Each type of tree has its unique shape, foliage and color, making our forests and gardens diverse and beautiful. At Annie’s Annuals & Perennials, we offer both deciduous and evergreen trees. Our offerings are mostly flowering, smaller in stature and reach a decent height within a year.

What are the different common types of shrubs?

1. Rose Bushes are valued for their beautiful and sometimes fragrant flowers. They come in a variety of colors and are popular in gardens for their elegance and old-fashioned charm. They are the queens of the cottage garden! At Annie’s, we offer roses in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and fragrances. Some of our favorites are shrub roses like Rosa ‘Carefree Delight’ or hybrid shrub roses like Rosa ‘Golden Celebration’ and Rosa ‘Grandmother’s Hat’.

2. Azaleas are valuable for their vibrant, showy flowers that bloom in various colors, including pink, white, and purple.

3. Boxwood Shrubs are evergreen and have dense, dark green foliage. They are useful for hedges and topiaries.

4. Lilacs produce clusters of fragrant, springtime blooms in shades of purple, pink, and white.

5. Hydrangeas are popular for their large, rounded flower heads. They come in various colors, depending on the soil ph. At Annie’s we have more unusual offerings like Hydrangea arborescens 'Annabelle' and Hydrangea quercifolia 'Pee Wee'.

6. Forsythia are among the first to bloom in spring, with bright yellow flowers.

7. Rhododendrons produce large, showy flowers in a range of colors and are popular in landscapes.

8. Juniper Shrubs are evergreen shrubs with needle-like leaves and produce small, berry-like cones.

9. Mock Orange (Philadelphus) has fragrant white flowers that resemble orange blossoms, giving them their name. We have several favorites: mock orange (Philadelphus 'Belle Etoile'), Mexican mock orange (Philadelphus mexicanus ‘Flore Plena’), and wild mock orange (Philadelphus lewisii).

10. Camellias are valued for their large, waxy flowers. that come in various colors and bloom in late winter or early spring.

11. Butterfly Bushes (Buddleja) are popular for attracting pollinators with their long, cone-shaped flower clusters. They will make your garden a butterfly magnet!! We offer many different sizes and colors and some of our favorites are Buddleja davidii ‘Ellen’s Blue’, Buddleja davidii ‘Hot Raspberry’, and Buddleja 'Grand Cascade'.

12. Holly Shrubs are evergreen and produce red berries that are iconic during the holiday season.

13. Euonymus have colorful foliage, with varieties that include red, green, or gold leaves.

14. Privet are popular for hedges due to their dense foliage and fast growth.

15. Burning Bush are famous for their vibrant red fall foliage.

16. Spiraea produce clusters of small, delicate flowers and are useful in landscaping.