“Pumpkin on a Stick,” botanically known as Solanum aethiopicum, is a unique annual plant. It produces small, ornamental, pumpkin-like fruits on upright stems. Its appeal lies in both its decorative qualities, especially for fall arrangements, and its edibility.
Understanding “Pumpkin on a Stick”
Despite its common name, “Pumpkin on a Stick” is not a pumpkin; it is an ornamental eggplant in the Solanaceae family, which includes tomatoes, peppers, and potatoes. The plant typically grows three to four feet tall and two to three feet wide, with large leaves and often thorny stems. Its fruit initially appears as small, pale green, ribbed spheres, maturing to a vibrant scarlet or orange.
The plant is edible, though primarily cultivated for ornamental purposes. When harvested young and green, the fruits have a mild flavor, similar to other eggplants, and are often used in stir-fries. As the fruit ripens and turns red or orange, it develops a more bitter, peppery taste. The leaves and shoots are also edible and are consumed in some cuisines.
Growing “Pumpkin on a Stick”
“Pumpkin on a Stick” is a warm-season annual that should be planted outdoors after the last frost, when nighttime temperatures consistently exceed 55°F (13°C). Starting seeds indoors four to six weeks before the last frost can give plants a head start, requiring soil temperatures between 75°F and 90°F (24°C and 32°C) for germination. The plant prefers full sun, ideally receiving at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily, which promotes flowering and fruit development.
Well-draining, rich, loamy soil is ideal, and incorporating compost before planting enhances soil fertility and structure. These plants need consistent moisture, about one to two inches of water per week, especially during hot weather and fruit development, but they do not tolerate soggy conditions. A low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10 NPK formula, is recommended throughout the growing season to encourage fruit production over foliage growth. Apply fertilizer at planting and then every one to two weeks once fruits begin to set.
As fruits develop, their weight may cause branches to droop, so support like staking or tomato cages is needed. Proper spacing, typically two to three feet apart, promotes good air circulation. Common pests include aphids, whiteflies, and tomato hornworms, while diseases like wilt and crown rot can occur, especially in humid conditions. Prompt identification and organic controls help manage these issues. Fruits are generally ready for harvest 65 to 75 days after transplanting.
Culinary and Decorative Applications
For culinary purposes, “Pumpkin on a Stick” fruits are best harvested when young, green, and shiny, as their flavor is mildest and most palatable then. They can be prepared in various ways, including steaming, sautéing, or roasting, and are a good addition to stir-fries, much like traditional eggplants. As the fruits mature and turn orange or scarlet, their bitterness intensifies, making them less desirable for eating, though some varieties are used in specific Asian dishes like Thai curries.
For decorative applications, the mature, colorful fruits are valued for fall and holiday displays. Stems with their miniature pumpkin-like fruits can be cut and used fresh in floral arrangements, lasting several weeks. For long-lasting decor, entire stems with fruits can be harvested and air-dried in a cool, well-ventilated area away from direct sunlight. The dried fruits retain their vibrant orange hue, resembling tiny pumpkins, and can be incorporated into wreaths, centerpieces, or other autumnal decorations, lasting for years.