Finding the right type of pumpkin to grow can be overwhelming with all the many varieties available. However, once you realize that each variety has a set of characteristics that make it good for a specific purpose, it gets much easier. You'll discover that the choosing the right pumpkin variety is simply a matter of a little pumpkin research.

1. Miniature pumpkins are grown for decoration.
2. Naked seeded pumpkins have edible seeds.
3. Not all pumpkins are orange.
4. Some varieties of pumpkin are better for cooking than others.
5. Jumbo pumpkins can weigh 200 pounds or more.

• When most people hear the word pumpkin, they think of a round or oblong, orange fruit that comes out only in October. However, pumpkins come in all shapes, sizes and colors. Some of them make great Jack O'Lanterns, others produce edible seeds while others are great for baking and cooking. If you have decided you want to grow pumpkins in your next garden, but are unclear on what type you should plant, then it's time to become more familiar with the wide varieties of pumpkins available.

• Miniature pumpkins are all varieties of C. pepo and will weigh up to a pound. Most miniature varieties are grown for decoration and are not usually used in pies or other products. They should be planted one inch deep, with two to three seeds every two feet apart. Rows need to be six to eight feet apart.University of Illinois Extension: Watch Your Garden Grow: Pumpkins

• Small pumpkins weigh between two to eight pounds. Small pumpkins are grown for a variety of reasons including for baking, decoration and carving. If you enjoy eating pumpkin seeds, make sure you grow one of the naked-seeded varieties. Plant two feet apart with four to six feet between rows.Virginia Cooperative Extension: Specialty Crop Profile: Pumpkins

• Medium pumpkins weigh between 8 to 15 pounds. Most pumpkins that fit in this category are either grown to use in cooking or as Jack O'Lanterns on Halloween. These pumpkins should be planted three feet apart with four to six feet between rows.Virginia Cooperative Extension: Specialty Crop Profile: Pumpkins

• Large pumpkins weigh between 15 to 25 pounds. Most pumpkins that fit in this category are either grown to use in cooking or as Jack O'Lanterns on Halloween. They need quite a bit of space to grow and should be planted four feet apart with six to seven feet between rows. Semi-bush plants can be planted closer together.Virginia Cooperative Extension: Specialty Crop Profile: Pumpkins

• Extra large pumpkins weigh between 20 to 40 pounds. They are not quite as large as jumbo varieties. Most of these varieties are grown for use as Jack O'Lanterns, especially the Howden (Harris Moran) variety. These pumpkins should be planted four feet apart with seven to nine feet between rows. Semi-bush plants can be planted closer together.Virginia Cooperative Extension: Specialty Crop Profile: Pumpkins

• Jumbo pumpkins weigh at least 30 pounds and can grow to sizes of 100 more. These pumpkins are often grown strictly for their size, and are not commonly used for baking or cooking. They will all take 120 days or more to harvest and grow on large vines. These pumpkins should be planted five to six feet apart with 10 to 12 feet between rows or more.Virginia Cooperative Extension: Specialty Crop Profile: Pumpkins

• After looking at so many varieties of pumpkins, you may find it hard to pick just one. Of course, it is perfectly acceptable to plant more than one. In fact, if you plant enough pumpkins, you may find your garden is good enough to entice the Great Pumpkin to it this Halloween. However, to do this, you will need to know how to grow the best pumpkins.

• • For more information, check out Mahalo's How to Grow Pumpkins.