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Squash · Cucurbita pepo 'Jack Be Little'

Jack Be Little Pumpkin

Jack Be Little Pumpkin: 95-100 days to harvest, 7-10 days to germinate, 36-48 inches between plants, pH 6.0-7.0, hardy in zones 3-11. Fruit runs to about 2-3 inches diameter. Give it full sun (6+ hours) and 1 inch per week, deep watering at base water. It will crop in a container.

Squash
95-100days to harvest
7-10days to germinate
Z3–11USDA zones
Easydifficulty
Container friendly

Sowing

Direct sow after last frost when soil is 65°F or warmer. Can start indoors 2-3 weeks early in biodegradable pots.

Cultivation

Sun
Full sun (6+ hours)
Water
1 inch per week, deep watering at base
Soil
Rich, well-drained soil with plenty of compost
Soil pH
6.0-7.0
Spacing
36-48 inches
Height
1-3 feet
Season
Warm season

Appearance & flavour

Colour
Bright orange
Size
2-3 inches diameter
Shape
Round, classic pumpkin shape with defined ribs
Flavour
Sweet, mild pumpkin flavor, similar to acorn squash

In the kitchen

Excellent for pumpkin pie, roasted seeds, stuffed pumpkins, soups. Perfect portion size for individual servings.

Pests, disease & resistance

Pests
Squash bugs, cucumber beetles, vine borers
Diseases
Powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt
Resistance
Good resistance to powdery mildew and bacterial wilt

Planting calendar by USDA zone

ZoneStart indoorsTransplantDirect sowHarvest
2——June – AugustOctober – September
3—June – August——
4—June – July——
5—May – July——
6—May – July——
7—May – June——
8—April – June——
9—March – May——
10—March – April——
11——January – MarchMay – July
12——January – MarchMay – July
13——January – MarchMay – July

Companion planting

8 beneficial pairings indexed for this variety, 3 to avoid.

MarigoldsRepel cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and other pests that commonly attack pumpkins
NasturtiumsAct as trap crop for squash bugs and cucumber beetles, protecting pumpkin vines
CornProvides vertical structure for pumpkin vines to climb and natural windbreak
Bush BeansFix nitrogen in soil to benefit heavy-feeding pumpkins without competing for space
RadishesDeter squash vine borers and cucumber beetles while breaking up soil
CatnipRepels ants, aphids, and cucumber beetles that damage pumpkin plants
OreganoProvides general pest protection and attracts beneficial insects
SunflowersAttract pollinators essential for pumpkin fruit set and provide beneficial habitat

Avoid

PotatoesCompete for nutrients and space, both are heavy feeders that deplete soil
FennelReleases allelopathic compounds that inhibit growth of pumpkins and most vegetables
BrassicasHeavy nitrogen feeders that compete with pumpkins and may stunt vine growth

Nutrition (per 100 g)

Calories (per 100 g)
26
Protein (g)
1
Fat (g)
0.1
Carbohydrate (g)
6.5
Fibre (g)
0.5
Sugars (g)
2.76
Vitamin A (µg)
426
Vitamin C (mg)
9
Vitamin E (mg)
1.06
Vitamin K (µg)
1.1
Vitamin B6 (mg)
0.061
Folate (µg)
16
Calcium (mg)
21
Iron (mg)
0.8
Magnesium (mg)
12
Phosphorus (mg)
44
Potassium (mg)
340
Zinc (mg)
0.32
Selenium (µg)
0.3
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Growing it? There is a full cultivation guide at the squash growing guide.

Cultivar facts compiled from public horticultural references including USDA GRIN and NC State Extension. Descriptions are original to this catalogue.

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Other squash with a comparable time to harvest, so a season that suits Jack Be Little Pumpkin suits these too.

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