21 October 2024

Pumpkins: why are they a Halloween favourite?

Learn about the history of everyone's favourite spooky season fruit.

By Eddie Johnston

A collection of pumpkin varieties in the Kitchen Garden at Kew Gardens

There’s nothing more Halloween than a jack-o’-lantern. But where does this grinning legend come from?

Join Botanical Horticulturalist Joe Richomme to learn about the spooky origins of this autumn tradition, along with discovering where the modern pumpkin comes from, and learn some of the secrets on how we grow our squashes at Kew Gardens.
 

Read & watch

    A cluster of pink magnolia flowers opened on a tree in front of a blue sky
    Play
    10 September 2024

    Magnolia: Flowers from the age of the dinosaurs

    Eddie Johnston
    Titan arum (Amorphophallus titanum) in bloom with massive inner flower spike surrounded by a deep burgundy petal-like collar
    Play
    19 August 2024

    Titan arum: The secrets behind Kew's smelliest plant

    Eddie Johnston
    An orchid plant with multiple white flowers
    Play
    27 June 2024

    Darwin's Orchid: What pollinates this unusual flower?

    Eddie Johnston