I came across the Pumpkin-on-a-Stick plant last year during an outing to Groovy Plants Ranch. I knew I wanted to give it try this year, so when GPR offered a presale on these plants this spring, it didn't take long to place that order. It is actually an ornamental eggplant, so it's susceptible to flea beetles and other issues that can plaque eggplants. It truly is a Halloween plant because the thorns on this plant are no joke. Be careful when pruning because I was poked multiple times. Two plants produced what is shown in the photo. This is a great video on growing Pumpkin-on-Stick:
The Chinese Lanterns are also from my garden and it was a bumper crop this year. There were enough stems to share with two people and I still have a few hanging in the garage to dry. Chinese Lanterns also are a target of flea beetles, but luckily, my plants were spared this year. Most dried stems I see for sale are all orange, but I tend to like the moss green lanterns mixed in for visual interest. These plants make such a festive fall arrangement and their uniqueness makes me smile.
