Fairytale pumpkins (also known as Musquée de Provence) are mature when the skin transitions from green to a rich, buckskin-orange or deep mahogany color, and the rind feels hard when pressed with a fingernail. The stem should also begin to turn woody and corky. Cut the vine leaving 3–4 inches of stem attached to prolong shelf life.

Yes, Fairytale pumpkins store exceptionally well. After harvest, cure them in a warm (80–85°F), dry location with good ventilation for 10–14 days. This thickens the rind and heals small blemishes. Once cured, store them in a cool, dark room (around 50–55°F), where they can last for 4 to 6 months.

They are superb for eating! Fairytale pumpkins belong to the Cucurbita moschata species, which is the same species used for commercial canned pumpkin puree. Their deep orange flesh is sweet, dense, fine-grained, and far less stringy than standard carving pumpkins, making them ideal for baking, roasting, or cooking into creamy autumn soups.

Because Fairytale pumpkins belong to the Cucurbita moschata species, their vines are naturally solid rather than hollow. This characteristic makes them significantly more resistant to squash vine borers than common Cucurbita pepo pumpkin varieties, making them a great choice for areas with heavy borer pressure.