Pumpkin Growing At Moonrocks

Pumpkins are grown at Moonrocks during the Autumn and Winter months of the year. Although trialed over a number of years annual commercial production began in the winter of 07 with a small planting of butternut pumpkins. In 08 Moonrocks moved into another two lines, these being Jap (or Kent) pumpkins and Jaradales.

Pumpkins are grown on the old beds that contained  our summer rockmelon crop. In previous times after the rockmelon harvest the beds were slashed and the plastic lifted. Moonrocks has been doing extensive trials on replanting into these beds, thereby reusing the plastic and significantly reducing the carbon footprint of our crops. Its just another way we are looking after our environment - after all as farmers its in our best interests to make sure our environment is being cared for.

Like the rockmelons pumpkins are harvested and then sent to our packing shed for processing. This allows us to wash, grade and size all of our pumpkins - producing an end product that is clean and consistent. Staff work in this shed from early May through to the middle of August each year.

The Different Types Of Pumpkins Moonrocks Grow

Jaradale Pumpkins: Jaradale pumpkins are one of the larger types of pumpkins grown in Australia. They have a grey to blue grey skin and can weigh up to and in excess of 12 - 15Kg. Jaradale tend to have a lighter flesh colour - more yellow than orange. Of all the pumpkins grown at Moonrocks they tend to have the best storage capabilities.

Jap (Kent) Pumpkins: Kent pumpkins are a smaller pumpkin, generally wieghing in between 2 and 6 kilograms. They are a deep green colour with flecks of cream through to light orange through the skin. Jap pumpkins have a deep orange flesh and can be used in a number of different ways. They tend to have the shortest lifespan as their skin is thinner and softer than other varieties.

Butternut Pumpkins: Butternut pumpkins are a deep tan colour. Internal flesh can range from yellow through to deep orange. Like Jap pumpkins they can be prepared in a number of ways, and are sometimes even eaten raw as an addition to salads. Moonrocks butternuts are unique in respect to their dense flesh and small seed cavities.