The main types of pumpkins are jack-o’-lantern pumpkins for carving, sugar or pie pumpkins for baking, white pumpkins, miniature pumpkins, giant pumpkins, and heirloom or specialty pumpkins, and each one suits a different job. Choosing a pumpkin sounds simple until you’re standing in front of a whole patch of them. Some are tall and bright orange. Others are tiny, pale, flattened, or covered in interesting bumps. With so many types of pumpkins to choose from, how do you know which one belongs on your porch, in a pie, or under a carving knife? The good news is that you don’t need to be a pumpkin expert. A few helpful differences can guide your choice and make your next fall outing even more fun.

At Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch in Cumming, just southwest of Des Moines, families pick these varieties straight off the vine during the fall pumpkin patch season, which runs through November 1, 2026. In Episode 16 of Howell’s Farm Experience, Erin Conner, Director of Family Fun at Howell’s, walked host Mike Downer through the different types of pumpkins growing in the patch this year, and her tips appear throughout this guide for families coming from Ankeny, Waukee, Grimes or anywhere in central Iowa.

What Are the Main Types of Pumpkins?

The main types of pumpkins fall into six groups: jack-o’-lantern, sugar or pie, white, miniature, giant, and heirloom or specialty pumpkins. Pumpkins belong to the squash family, and the word “pumpkin” describes several related plants rather than one single variety. Their differences go well beyond color. Some have thick, flavorful flesh; others have roomy centers and walls that are easier to carve. Still others are grown mainly because they look wonderful in an autumn display.

Start by thinking about what you’ll do with yours. A pumpkin for soup needs different qualities than one you’re turning into a glowing jack-o’-lantern. Here is how the six groups compare:

• Jack-o’-lantern: medium to large, usually orange; best for carving.
• Sugar or pie: small, round and orange; best for baking and cooking.
• White: creamy white, in various sizes; best for decorating and painting.
• Miniature: palm-sized, orange or white; best for tables and small displays.
• Giant: very large and heavy; best for outdoor displays.
• Heirloom or specialty: flattened, unusually colored or shaped; best for decorating, and some for cooking.

Which Types of Pumpkins Grow in the Howell’s Patch?

The Howell’s patch grows classic carving pumpkins, flat stacking pumpkins, baby pumpkins, pie pumpkins, warty pumpkins and tall, head-shaped jack-o’-lanterns, in more colors than most families expect. “It is full of so many different varieties for families to choose from,” Erin said after a walk through the field. Here is what she listed:

• Classic carving pumpkins, including bright orange jack-o’-lanterns and a lighter, yellow-orange kind.
• Flat stacking pumpkins in blue, white, Cinderella orange and reddish orange.
• Tiny baby pumpkins sized for little kids.
• Pie pumpkins of around five pounds for baking.
• Warty pumpkins, grown from a variety Howell’s picks out of the seed catalog.
• Striped pumpkins, plus tall, head-shaped jack-o’-lanterns for a Frankenstein face.

“When we shop for pumpkins in the seed catalog, the varieties are endless,” Erin said. Signs in the field name each variety, so you can look one up on the spot, and kids can give their pumpkins a bath at the pumpkin wash station at the farm market. That range is the real difference from a pre-picked pile, because Howell’s has “way more variety than you would ever find in town,” in Erin’s words.

Which Pumpkin Varieties Should You Know Before You Shop?

These six groups of pumpkin varieties are worth knowing before you shop, and extension horticulture guides name reliable examples of each.

Jack-o’-Lantern Pumpkins

The classic Halloween pumpkin is typically orange, reasonably round, and large enough for a face or other design. Field varieties such as Howden and Connecticut Field are familiar examples. Compared with many pie pumpkins, they often have a bigger seed cavity and less dense flesh, which can make scooping and carving more manageable.

Look for a smooth area where your design will go. Whatever you choose, a sturdy base helps your creation sit safely on the porch.

Sugar Pumpkins or Pie Pumpkins

Small Sugar and New England Pie pumpkins are popular kitchen choices. They’re generally smaller than carving pumpkins, with flesh prized for its flavor and texture. Their manageable size also makes them less intimidating when it’s time to roast and puree them.

If you’re planning homemade pumpkin bread, soup, muffins, or pie, start here. You’ll spend less time trying to make watery flesh work in a recipe.

White Pumpkins

White pumpkins create a different fall look without losing any seasonal charm. Varieties such as Casper and Lumina have pale rinds that stand out beside orange pumpkins, colorful leaves, and autumn flowers.

They’re especially nice for painting because the light surface makes colors and designs visible. Some white varieties have edible flesh, but confirm the variety and whether the pumpkin was sold for food before cooking with it.

Miniature Pumpkins

Jack Be Little and Baby Boo are small enough to fit in your hand. That makes them easy to tuck into centerpieces, line along a windowsill, or place at individual settings for a fall dinner.

Kids can easily choose their own. Mix orange and white minis for variety. These pumpkins are usually selected for decoration, so don’t assume every miniature variety is intended for eating.

Giant Pumpkins

Giant pumpkins are hard to overlook. Atlantic Giant and Big Max can grow to impressive sizes, making them favorites for competitions, photo opportunities, and dramatic outdoor displays.

They’re not the most convenient choice for an everyday carving project, because moving them takes planning and their thick walls can be difficult to cut.

Heirloom and Specialty Pumpkins

Specialty pumpkins show just how varied fall’s favorite squash can be. Rouge Vif d’Etampes, often called the Cinderella pumpkin, has a flattened shape and deep reddish-orange color. Jarrahdale pumpkins are known for their blue-gray appearance and squat form.

Some also have qualities suited to cooking, although flavor and texture vary. If a particular heirloom catches your eye, ask about its intended use, and don’t assume its unusual appearance tells the whole story. For a useful overview of named varieties, see the University of Illinois Extension.

Which Types of Pumpkins Are Best for Carving?

Jack-o’-lantern pumpkins are the best type for carving, because they are bigger and have more open space inside, Erin Conner says. “If you’re carving a pumpkin and you have kids carving, I would not recommend a pie pumpkin,” she said, since a pie pumpkin is smaller, denser and thicker-skinned. Warty pumpkins have tougher skin too, so save them for a witch display or bring an extra-sharp knife.

The best carving pumpkin isn’t necessarily the biggest one in the patch. Choose a pumpkin that’s large enough for your design but still manageable for the person who’ll be working on it.

A fairly even surface makes drawing easier. A stable base keeps the finished lantern upright, while walls that aren’t excessively thick make carving less frustrating. For a step-by-step look at picking one, see our guide to choosing the right carving pumpkin.

If you’re carving with children, match the activity to their age and abilities. Younger helpers can sketch faces, scoop seeds with assistance, or decorate an uncut pumpkin with washable materials. An adult should handle sharp cutting tools. Battery-powered lights are a practical alternative to candles, particularly around children, pets, or dry decorations.

Think about timing, too. Once you cut into a pumpkin, it starts losing moisture and becomes more vulnerable to decay. If you want your jack-o’-lantern looking its best on Halloween, carve it closer to the day instead of weeks ahead.

Which Types of Pumpkins Are Best for Cooking and Baking?

Sugar or pie pumpkins are the best type for cooking and baking, because they are denser, with less pulp inside and more pumpkin flavor, Erin Conner says. A cooking pumpkin should offer flesh that tastes good and performs well in your recipe. Smaller pie pumpkins are popular because their texture is generally less stringy than that of large field pumpkins.

Don’t confuse “edible” with “ideal for baking.” Many carving pumpkins are technically edible, but their flesh may be watery or fibrous. You can still use an appropriate fresh pumpkin in the kitchen; the result just might require extra draining or different preparation.

Before cooking, wash the exterior, cut it open carefully, and remove the seeds and stringy center. Roast the flesh until tender, then mash or puree it. If the puree seems watery, drain it before adding it to your recipe. Never cook a pumpkin that’s moldy, rotten, painted, or treated with products not approved for food contact.

You can also roast the seeds from a suitable food pumpkin, and a big jack-o’-lantern simply means “more seeds for you to eat,” as Erin put it.

Which Types of Pumpkins Work Best for Fall Decorating?

Flat stacking pumpkins in mixed colors work best for fall decorating, Erin Conner says, and white and blue pumpkins are popular picks for a porch. Her trick for steps is to put the bigger pumpkin on the top step and use smaller and smaller ones as you go down.

You don’t need an elaborate decorating plan to make your entryway feel ready for fall. Start with one larger pumpkin as the centerpiece, then add a few smaller ones at different heights. Mixing sizes tends to look more natural than lining up identical pumpkins.

For a traditional display, choose warm orange pumpkins alongside mums and a simple seasonal wreath. Prefer a softer look? Try white and blue-gray pumpkins with dried grasses or neutral planters. A Cinderella pumpkin makes a striking low centerpiece on a sturdy table.

Indoors, miniature pumpkins can brighten a bookshelf or dinner table without taking up much room. Let everyone pick a pumpkin, and your decorations become a family project.

How Do You Pick a Fresh Pumpkin of Any Type?

A fresh pumpkin of any type feels solid, has an intact stem and shows no cuts, mold or soft spots, so examine the entire rind before deciding. Here are five things to check:

• Firmness: The rind should feel solid, without soft or spongy spots.
• Surface condition: Avoid deep cuts, punctures, mold, and large bruises, which can invite decay.
• Stem: An intact, firmly attached stem is a good sign. Never use it as a carrying handle.
• Shape: A flat base is especially useful for carved pumpkins and porch displays.
• Size and weight: Choose something you can move safely and that fits your planned project.

For orange varieties, look for mature, consistent coloring appropriate to the cultivar. Remember that white and blue pumpkins are supposed to look different. Color alone won’t tell you whether a specialty variety is ripe. Erin shares more field tips, including what a prickly stem tells you, in how to choose a good pumpkin patch for your family in Iowa.

How Long Do Pumpkins Last After You Bring Them Home?

Uncarved pumpkins last far longer than carved ones, and according to Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, properly cured pumpkins stored under suitable conditions can remain in good shape for two to three months.

For uncarved pumpkins, choose a cool, dry, well-ventilated area whenever possible. Don’t stack them tightly or leave them sitting on wet ground. Pumpkins intended for cooking should stay whole until you’re ready to prepare them, and don’t eat pumpkins that have been carved and displayed outdoors.

An uncarved pumpkin can also move from Halloween to Thanksgiving decorations, as host Mike Downer noted on the episode. For more ways to stretch a pumpkin’s life, see why farm-fresh pumpkins last longer than store-bought ones. That’s a reminder that careful handling matters as much as appearance when selecting different types of pumpkins for the season.

See Every Type of Pumpkin in the Field at Howell’s

We know how busy fall can get. Between school schedules, work, weekend plans, and getting ready for Halloween, even something fun like picking a pumpkin can start feeling like another errand. We want it to feel like time well spent together instead.

At Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch in Cumming, Iowa, choosing a pumpkin can be part of a bigger family adventure. Explore pumpkins in different shapes, sizes, and colors, take a wagon ride to the patch, enjoy the corn maze, and make room for those little moments that become favorite memories. Farm activities require admission, while our designated shopping area lets you shop for pumpkins and mums without buying activity admission.

We’d love to welcome you, whether you’re planning an afternoon or a quick pumpkin-shopping trip. Buy admission online to plan your trip and make this season your own.

Frequently Asked Questions About Types of Pumpkins

What Are the Main Types of Pumpkins?

The main types of pumpkins are jack-o’-lantern, sugar or pie, white, miniature, giant, and heirloom or specialty pumpkins. Each suits a different use, from carving to baking to decorating.

Which Pumpkin Varieties Are Best for Carving?

Choose a medium-to-large field pumpkin with a stable base, smooth surface, and manageable walls. Howden and Connecticut Field are popular examples.

Which Pumpkins Make the Best Pie?

Small Sugar and New England Pie are reliable choices for homemade pie. Their flesh generally cooks into a smoother, more flavorful puree than that of a typical large carving pumpkin.

Which Pumpkins Are Best for Stacking on a Porch?

Flat stacking pumpkins are best, and at Howell’s they come in blue, white, Cinderella orange and reddish orange. Put the biggest one on the top step and smaller ones as you go down.

Why Do Some Pumpkins Have Warts?

Warty pumpkins are a specific variety grown from seed chosen for that bumpy look. Their skin is tougher, so they work better for decorating than for carving.

Can You Eat Every Pumpkin?

Many pumpkins are edible, but some decorations aren’t sold for food use. Avoid rotten, painted, or chemically treated specimens.

How Long Do Uncarved Pumpkins Last?

Properly cured pumpkins may last two to three months in cool, dry storage. Damage and heat shorten their lifespan.

What’s the Difference Between a Pumpkin and a Gourd?

Both belong to the broader gourd family, Cucurbitaceae. “Pumpkin” commonly refers to certain winter squash, while “gourd” often describes plants grown for ornamental or utility purposes. Common names can overlap.

Where Can Families Pick Different Types of Pumpkins Near Des Moines?

Howell’s Greenhouse and Pumpkin Patch is in Cumming, Iowa, just southwest of Des Moines, and families from Ankeny, Waukee and Grimes can ride a wagon out to pick carving, stacking, pie, mini and warty pumpkins through November 1, 2026. Pumpkins and mums can also be bought in the designated shopping area without activity admission.