Sampson F1 Pumpkin is a high-yielding, mid-season hybrid developed by Enza Zaden, a seed company from the Netherlands. The vegetative period is approximately 105-110 days from germination to harvest. The plant is a climbing type, strong, with large leaves and a well-developed root system; the main stem can reach 3-3.5 meters in length. Each plant forms 2-4 large fruits, ensuring high yields.
The fruits of Sampson pumpkin have a flat-round shape with slight ribbing and weigh between 5 to 7 kg. The fruit skin is light gray or greenish-gray, very hard, which contributes to excellent storability and transportability. The flesh is rich orange or yellow, dense, succulent, and fiber-free, with high sugar and beneficial mineral content, providing exceptional taste. The seed cavity is small, increasing the edible portion.
The hybrid exhibits high stress tolerance and resistance to viral diseases of cucurbits, including yellow mosaic virus, ring spot, and melon mosaic. Due to these qualities, along with fruit longevity up to 12 months, Sampson pumpkin is suitable for both industrial processing and fresh market sales. The harvest can be transported over long distances without loss of quality or taste, making this hybrid versatile and in-demand.