When planning your pumpkins for fall, it’s easy to get wrapped up in deciding on size, taste, and how much space they’ll need in your garden. With so many varieties available, finding the perfect pumpkin to suit your goals can feel a bit overwhelming. Whether you’re looking for plump, vibrant pumpkins to decorate your porch or smaller ones to whip up a delicious pie, there’s a lot to think about. However, if your focus is on finding pumpkins specifically for carving, I’m here to make that choice easier!

Carving pumpkins adds a festive, creative element to fall, but not every pumpkin variety is suited for the job. Some types are too small, too soft, or don’t have the traditional shape that makes for ideal carving. In this short video, I’ll walk you through the best varieties that not only look great but also have the right size and thickness for creating the spooky or whimsical designs that make Halloween and autumn displays unforgettable. Whether you’re a seasoned gardener or trying pumpkins for the first time, I’ll help you pick the perfect type to make this year’s carving sessions a memorable success.

Connecticut Field: This lovely gem flaunts a generous diameter, ranging from 12 to 20 inches, and sits gracefully with its flat base. It’s as if it was destined to wear those iconic jack-o’-lantern smiles and winks! And guess what? After the Halloween festivities, this pumpkin effortlessly transitions into the kitchen, lending its delicious flavors to your favorite pies.

Howden: In the world of pumpkin carving, there’s one name that frequently stands out—the Howden pumpkin. A proud descendant of the Connecticut Field lineage, this pumpkin variety owes its inception to John Howden of Massachusetts. Introduced in the vibrant 1970s, the Howden quickly became synonymous with the quintessential, large Halloween pumpkin look. What makes it a carver’s delight? Its generously thick walls that beckon intricate designs and patterns. And for those worried about the dreaded black rot, breathe easy! The Howden boasts a commendable resistance against it. Truly, it’s a pumpkin that merges beauty with resilience.

Gladiator: A true champion in the pumpkin world! Weighing in at a robust 20 to 25 pounds, it’s a perfect size. When placed side by side with its peers in field tests, the Gladiator emerges as a true warrior against the pesky powdery mildew. Dazzling in a deep orange hue, this pumpkin sports a round physique with gentle ribbing, spanning about 13 inches across and standing tall at 12 inches. And those handles? They’re like the sturdy arms of a gladiator, thick and deeply anchored to its hefty body. This pumpkin thrives on vigorous semi-vine plants that generously offer a bounty of consistently shaped and sized pumpkins.

Jack O Lantern: An age-old heirloom variety with a name that says it all. If you’re on the hunt for the perfect carving companion, this pumpkin is your go-to! But wait, there’s more: it’s not just a pretty face for Halloween; it’s a culinary superstar too in pumpkin breads, soups, and pies—you name it! Physically, these pumpkins are just right: medium-sized, with a round to slightly elongated silhouette.

• The name says it all, it’s a perfect carver, medium sized, slightly taller than fat, and tastes good in recipes too!

Harvest Jack/Hulk: A superstar in the world of carving pumpkins! Picture this: a pumpkin with an elongated, almost vertical oval shape, bathed in a captivating deep orange glow. Those robust walls? They’re every carver’s wish come true, standing firm and ready to be transformed into any design your heart desires. And here’s the kicker—its dark orange skin is complemented with handles stretching a generous 4 inches, making it a breeze to carry and showcase. Plus, if you’re planting a patch of these gems, you’re in for a treat. The Harvest Jack F1 (also known as the Hulk) promises an impressive yield, flourishing in a variety of growing conditions. All in all, it’s a pumpkin that promises both beauty and bounty!

• A tall oval pumpkin with a deep orange glow with extra thick walls, and tall sturdy stalks which make them easy to carry.
• They also are easy to grow and will produce a ton of pumpkins, so it’s a pumpkin that promises both beauty and bounty!

If you’re up for a non-traditional white pumpkin, Casper is a great carver! Designed more for its enchanting looks and carving prowess than its taste, the Casper pumpkin is a spectacle in pale, almost otherworldly white. Weighing in at a substantial 12 to 15 pounds, these alabaster beauties are perfect for adding that unexpected twist to your stoop.

Do you want to learn more about not just which pumpkins to carve, but also how to carve them, keep them fresh, and use them once they’re “done”? Watch my full tutorial on The Best Pumpkins to Grow for Carving & Tricks for the Ultimate Jack-O’-Lantern.

Do you have a favorite pumpkin to grow and carve? Let me know what you’re planting!