At first glance, they look like something out of a fairytale—or a ghost story. But ghost pumpkins are very real, and you’re likely to spot them stacked at farmstands, tucked into photo ops, or growing alongside their orange cousins in Texas pumpkin patches.
Also known as white pumpkins, these pale varieties get their ghostly color from a natural genetic mutation that reduces carotenoid pigments—the compounds that give classic pumpkins their deep orange hue.¹ Many white pumpkin cultivars have been bred for specific traits: smooth skin, round shape, or sweeter flesh. Some, like Casper, Lumina, or Cotton Candy, are decorative favorites, while others are excellent for cooking.
🧬 Where Do White Pumpkins Come From?
White pumpkins aren’t a new fad—they’ve been selectively bred in the U.S. since at least the 1980s. The popular Lumina variety was introduced in the early ’90s by seed companies looking to expand fall color palettes beyond orange.² Since then, growers across the country—including right here in Texas—have added white pumpkins to their harvest plans.
Today, white pumpkins are grown on farms across Texas, from small family plots to larger operations. You’ll often find them mixed in with classic orange and heirloom varieties at U-pick patches, farmstands, and fall festivals throughout the state.
In fact, Floydada—the self‑declared Pumpkin Capital of Texas—has become known for its wide array of white pumpkin varieties, with local growers like Assiter Punkin’ Ranch expanding from just one white type to over 35 in recent seasons. You can also find Texas‑grown “White Pie” pumpkins at markets like Dallas Farmers Market during autumn
Because pumpkins are a warm-season crop, varieties like Casper and Cotton Candy thrive when planted in late June or early July for an October harvest. They’ve become especially popular on farms that welcome visitors during pumpkin season, thanks to their photo appeal and versatility.
🍓 Curious about other pale produce? Learn where to find white strawberries in Texas and why they’re so popular with chefs and gardeners alike.
🎃 Are White Pumpkins Edible?
Yes—most white pumpkins are edible, and some varieties are even better for baking than traditional carving pumpkins. While they may look ornamental, many have dense, sweet flesh with a smooth texture ideal for pies, soups, or roasted dishes.
Smaller varieties like Baby Boo or White Pie pumpkins tend to be best for the kitchen. Just check with your farmer to be sure your chosen pumpkin was grown for culinary use rather than just display.
🍽 Cooking Tips for White Pumpkins
The flesh of many white pumpkins is slightly less fibrous than larger orange types, which makes them great for creamy soups, roasted chunks, or smooth purées. Just peel off the skin—it’s often thicker than it looks—and treat them like any winter squash.
Curious cooks can try using roasted white pumpkin in place of butternut squash in savory recipes. You can even make pie filling with it—just don’t expect it to be bright orange!
Some sources suggest that because white pumpkins lack carotenoid pigmentation, they may contain lower levels of vitamin A and beta‑carotene. However, scientific studies remain limited—and many growers emphasize flavor and culinary value over color-driven nutrition differences.
🧡 Why People Love Ghost Pumpkins
Ghost pumpkins offer all the fall vibes without the same old orange palette. Popular reasons people seek them out include:
- Neutral aesthetic – perfect for farmhouse décor, wedding centerpieces, and Instagram-worthy porch setups
- Creative carving – their pale skin contrasts beautifully with candlelight
- Kid-friendly Halloween – festive and fun without being scary
- Versatile pairing – stacks beautifully with gourds, hay bales, and colorful mums
And let’s face it—they just look cool. Especially in a big autumn pile of orange, green, and warty heirlooms, a white pumpkin brings a little magic.
🎨 White Pumpkins for Crafts and Painting
Because of their pale surface, white pumpkins are ideal for painting—no base coat needed. Kids can use crayons, markers, or acrylics, and the results pop beautifully. Teachers and parents often choose small white pumpkins for classroom projects or fall festival crafts.
📸 How to Photograph White Pumpkins
White pumpkins shine in photos—literally. To avoid glare or washed-out images, try snapping pics in the morning or evening light, when shadows are soft and the texture stands out. Pair them with deep greens, wooden crates, or fall flowers for an eye-catching contrast.
🚫 Are Ghost Pumpkins GMO?
Nope! White pumpkins are not genetically modified. Their pale color comes from traditional plant breeding, not genetic engineering. Seed growers have selectively bred these varieties for decades to achieve their shape, skin tone, and size. You’ll often find both heirloom and hybrid white pumpkins at local farms.
🌾 Where to Find White Pumpkins in Texas
You’ll find ghost pumpkins at many Texas farms during fall festival season—whether you’re visiting a full-scale pumpkin patch or stopping by a roadside farmstand.
Look for farms that offer:
- 🎃 U-pick pumpkin fields (some include white varieties)
- 🛍 Farmstands with specialty heirloom pumpkins
- 📸 Photo ops with stacks of white, orange, and multicolored gourds
- 🧺 Homemade goods—ask if they use white pumpkin in pies or bread!
👉 Browse Delve’s Texas pumpkin patch listings »
Pro tip: arrive early in the season or early in the day for the best selection. Some white varieties sell out fast.
🧠 Fast Facts: White Pumpkins
| TraitDetail | |
| Color | Caused by reduced carotenoid pigment¹ |
| Common Names | Ghost pumpkin, white pumpkin |
| Edible? | Yes—especially smaller or culinary varieties |
| Popular Varieties | Lumina, Casper, Cotton Candy, Baby Boo |
| Shelf Life | 2–3 months if stored cool and dry |
| Use | Decorating, cooking, carving, painting, photography |
🧺 How to Store White Pumpkins
White pumpkins can last for weeks—or even a few months—if stored properly. Keep them cool, dry, and shaded, and avoid setting them directly on concrete or damp surfaces. A layer of cardboard or straw underneath can help reduce rot. Check for soft spots every week, and move indoors before a freeze.
Final Thoughts: A New Fall Favorite
Whether you call them ghost pumpkins, white pumpkins, or pale gourds from the underworld (we won’t judge)—they’ve earned their spot in Texas fall traditions. Add one to your porch, your table, or your pie this season, and you might find yourself looking for them every year.
Love real farm experiences?
From goats to mushrooms to hands-on classes, we share seasonal things to do near you — and yes, a few pumpkins too.
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Sources:
- University of Illinois Extension, Why Are Pumpkins Orange?
- Seedway Vegetable Seeds, History of the Lumina White Pumpkin
- Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, Pumpkin Production Guidelines
- National Garden Bureau, Trends in Decorative Pumpkins
