Seedway, Hershey, PA

Several pumpkin varieties were highlighted at Seedway’s trial. Pictured above is Freddie, an 18 to 22 pounder with intermediate resistance to powdery mildew. This variety is from the company Hybrid Seed Co. New Zealand Ltd.

“We like this one because it gives growers an alternative to have more ribbing while maintaining dark colors,” explained Seedway’s Pam  Guigley. “Plus, it is very uniform, so it can be used by the binning trade or for roadside markets.”

A kraut cabbage, Padoc is an early variety that is heat tolerant. This variety matures in 70 days, has good holding ability, and has large, dense heads. It also is resistant to Fusarium yellows. “Right now, it doesn’t have any competition in its class by being the first kraut to harvest,” adds Seedway’s Debra Deis. “This is the variety that is best to start with.”