How to Grow a Pumpkin Inside a Mold
Growing shaped pumpkins requires two things: a mold in the shape you want your pumpkin to be and time. You should pick a mold that’s a little bigger than the estimated mature size of your pumpkin so it doesn’t burst through and you can still slip it out without breaking your mold. Start the process when your pumpkin still has a decent amount of growth ahead of it and it can fit easily into its mold. Growing pumpkins in molds allows for virtually any shape you dream up, but a good starter shape is a simple cube. Good materials to use are wood, tempered glass, or sturdy plastic. You can make your own mold, buy a commercial one, or repurpose any hollow, sturdy containers you might have. A thick bucket or flower pot could make for an interesting cone or cylinder shape.
Growing Pumpkins in Molds
When your pumpkin is still immature, slip it gently inside your mold, being careful not to break it from the vine. As it grows, it won’t necessarily stay in the mold, so stretch a strip or two of duct tape across the open side to keep it from escaping. Water your pumpkin regularly and feed it with a water-soluble fertilizer once per week. Your pumpkin should grow to fill out the shape of the mold. Once it’s tight against the sides of the mold but can still be budged, lift it out — you don’t want it to get stuck! Allow it to turn orange if it hasn’t already, then cut the pumpkin from the vine and display it!
