9 Best Specialty Pumpkins at Sunnyside Gardens this Fall

When most people think of pumpkins, they picture classic orange jack-o’-lanterns. But the world of pumpkins is far bigger — and more beautiful — than that. This fall, we’ve curated a collection of specialty varieties chosen specifically for their color, texture, form, and personality. These aren’t afterthoughts in your fall decor. They’re the statement pieces that transform a porch from “typical autumn” to “intentionally designed.”
Here’s a select collection of what we’re featuring in-store this season:
Unexpected Deep Tones

Jarrahdale
When someone says “pumpkin,” a Jarrahdale probably isn’t what they picture. Rich blue and deep green hues create unexpected contrast in traditional fall displays. The deep ridges bring wonderful texture without the warty look — sophisticated and refined. Medium-sized, these beauties work as standalone focal points or grouped with classic orange for dramatic color play.
Why we love it: Jarrahdale proves that pumpkins don’t have to be orange to feel like fall. The cool blue-green tones bring elegance to displays that might otherwise feel predictable.

Black Futsu
A matte brown pumpkin with deep ridges and wonderful texture. Their long stems add whimsy and verticality — they practically beg to be displayed standing tall. Small enough for both indoor and outdoor use, this variety brings an elegant, refined look that feels more curated than casual.
Why we love it: The long stems are the secret weapon here. They add height and drama without requiring additional styling. Display on the entryway table or porch step and let those stems do the work.
Cheerful, Golden Yellows

Mellow Yellow
Have you ever seen a yellow pumpkin before? This vibrant, buttery shade of yellow feels fresh and unexpected. It beautifully bridges traditional orange and white displays — perfect for adding a cheerful note to classic autumn color schemes. Medium-sized and smooth, these pair beautifully with contrasting mums for an immediately joyful look.
Why we love it: Yellow pumpkins feel rare. Finding one stops people in their tracks! Pair Mellow Yellow with deep purple or burgundy mums, and you’ve created a display that feels intentional and designed.

Fireball
True to its name, this variety brings fire to your displays. Yellow pumpkins with bold orange stripes and subtle bumpy texture create visual excitement. Medium-sized, these are ideal paired alongside Mellow Yellow pumpkins for a gradient effect — starting pale yellow, deepening to orange-striped, ending in pure orange.
Why we love it: The stripes feel almost hand-painted. Grouped with yellows and oranges – Fireball pumpkins become the transition piece that ties the whole display together.

Kettle Corn
The earthy sibling to Fireball. Medium-sized with subtle ridges and texture, Kettle Corn brings deep green veining that creates contrast and visual interest. The interplay between warm tones and cool green veining makes this variety feel intentional and designed, perfect for curated fall displays.
Why we love it: The green veining on yellow is unexpected. It’s a small detail that makes a big impact looking at displays as a whole. Perfect for showcasing in places where you want people to lean in and look.
The Modern Whites

Starfish
Small and uniquely ruffled, Starfish pumpkins have an almost decorative quality — like nature designed them specifically for decor. The white, textured surface brings the sophisticated chic of white pumpkins with a playful touch. Perfect for both indoor and outdoor displays, this variety strikes the balance between refined and whimsical. Group several together for sculptural impact.
Why we love it: The ruffled edges look like a pumpkin tried to be fancy. Display three or five Starfish pumpkins together and they become an installation, not just seasonal decor.

Silver Edge
Small, smooth, and elegantly oval — Silver Edge pumpkins bring high contrast of bright white and deep green. Delicate striping and veining create visual interest without any ridges or bumps. Display them on their own in a vase or pair with dried flowers and branches for a sophisticated, centerpiece arrangement.
Why we love it: Silver Edge proves that pumpkins don’t need texture to be beautiful. The delicate veining and high contrast between white and green create elegance through subtlety. These are pumpkins that suite even minimalist spaces and refined aesthetics.
The Conversation-Starting Varieties

Big Moon
For anyone who loves a conversation piece, this is your pumpkin. Giant, bright orange, and undeniably a focal point — Big Moon commands attention. Smooth texture and massive size make it perfect for front yard displays where impact is the goal. One Big Moon pumpkin can anchor an entire fall scene. It’s the pumpkin people notice even when they just drive by.
Why we love it: Big Moon doesn’t need accessories. It doesn’t need styling tricks. It’s a statement all by itself. Place it on your front steps or in the center of your porch and let it do the work.

Mac n Cheese
Fun from the name to the shape. This small pumpkin has a unique bell-pepper-like silhouette and warm tones of yellow and orange blended together. The distinctive shape brings personality to displays — it’s practical enough for kitchen displays but decorative enough for mantels or side tables. It practically begs for close inspection and in-home styling.
Why we love it: Every pumpkin variety should have this much personality. The bell-pepper shape is unexpected, the colors feel warm and approachable, and the name makes people smile. Perfect for displays where you want a little whimsy.

Bonus: Giant Gourds
This year, we’ve curated a limited selection of giant gourds that brings even more variety to your fall decorating. From warty to smooth, white to black — there’s texture and color diversity that lets you create truly unique displays. Gourds pair beautifully with pumpkins, adding another layer of interest and visual storytelling to your autumn styling. These are limited, so don’t wait!
Styling Your Specialty Pumpkin Display
The beauty of specialty pumpkins is that each variety brings its own character. You’re not limited to orange anymore. You can create displays that tell a color story.
- Group by color story: Combine all your yellows (Mellow Yellow, Fireball, Kettle Corn, Mac n Cheese) for a gradient effect from pale to deep. This creates visual movement and sophistication.
- Mix textures: Pair smooth Big Moon with textured Jarrahdale. Combine ruffled Starfish with ridged Black Futsu. Texture contrast makes displays feel intentional.
- Use height strategically: Display Black Futsu’s long stems tall to add verticality. Tuck smaller varieties like Starfish and Mac n Cheese in front for depth.
- Let whites anchor: White pumpkins like Starfish work as neutral anchors. Build your display around them, adding colors and textures as supporting players.
- Don’t be afraid of unexpected combinations: Blue-green Jarrahdale next to cheerful Mellow Yellow sounds wrong. But it works. Tapping into your creativity is about breaking the rules and trusting your eye.
The point isn’t to match perfectly. It’s to tell a story. Each pumpkin variety brings a piece of that story — color, texture, personality, shape. Your job is just to arrange them intentionally.
This Is Your Season to Get Creative
For years, fall decorating has meant orange pumpkins and traditional gourds. This fall, we’re inviting you to think differently. What happens when you embrace blue-green? What story do yellows tell? What other decor can be brought in to make this feel like you?
These specialty varieties aren’t just beautiful — they give you permission to approach fall decorating with creativity and intention. You’re not just following tradition. You’re creating something uniquely yours!
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