Pansy Pumpkins

Pansy pumpkins are pumpkins that have fall annuals planted in them. The pumpkins make great, well-insulated and inexpensive containers – that will last through Thanksgiving. These cute, seasonal containers are as fun to make as they are to look at, and can be fun for the whole family. Follow the easy steps below to create your own pansy pumpkins at home.

Steps to create your own pansy pumpkin at home:

Select your pumpkin – any pumpkin will do. Heirloom pumpkins make great pumpkins for containers, because they come in so many shapes, sizes, and colors – you can even find warty ones that are extra spooky.

Select your fall annuals – I like using pansies because they make an inexpensive and showy planting, but you can also add in ornamental cabbage and kale, sedums or other perennials

Hollow out your pumpkin – cut off the top, scoop out the inside, and use your sharp knife (parents you might want to do this part for the kiddies) to poke a hole in the bottom for drainage.

Fill your pumpkin with soil – You can fill it a little over halfway with a high quality potting mix.

Plant the plants you selected – Do a mix of your annuals, low growing or hanging plants in the front and taller plants back (or middle if you are creating a planting that will be viewed from all sides).

Fill in the holes between plants with soil – leave about 1/2 ” of space between the soil and rim of your pumpkin.

Attach the lid of your pumpkin – use a floral staple (or pick) to attach your pumpkin lid to the side of your pumpkin.

And, there you have it, a beautiful pansy pumpkin for your front porch or holiday table. The pumpkins will last outside for at least a month. Remember to water and care for your pansy pumpkin like any other container garden. Have fun with the idea, play around, try different shapes and sizes of winter squash, and mix up the annuals you plant.