Figure 1. A variety of winter squashes sold at a farm stand. From left: spaghetti (yellow), kabocha (green and red), specialty butternut (dark tan), acorn (green), butternut (light tan), and delicata-type (creamy and green strips) (Photo by Wenjing Guan).
Indiana is one of the nation’s leading pumpkin-producing states. In 2025, growers planted about 7,900 acres, placing Indiana second in the nation for pumpkin production. Growers sell most of the crop in September and October for decoration or home use. Jack-o’-lanterns remain a fall favorite, while specialty pumpkins bring an array of colors, shapes, and textures to farm markets, roadside stands, and autumn displays.
Our new publication explores the pumpkins and winter squashes found at Indiana farm stands. It traces the Jack-o’-lantern tradition, looks at winter squash as a food and storage vegetable, and explains how the familiar names “pumpkin” and “winter squash” relate to species in the genus Cucurbita.
Whether you grow these crops, sell them, or simply enjoy seeing them in the fall, we hope the publication helps you discover something new.