Unique types of pumpkins add unexpected colors, shapes and textures to Halloween displays and fall gardens. From smooth white pumpkins to heirloom varieties with unusual shapes and peanut-like warts, these cultivars offer more than the traditional orange jack-o’-lantern.

Look for these three pumpkin varieties at local U-pick farms, farmers’ markets or specialty seed suppliers. If you have garden space, you can also grow them at home.

1. Lumina: A Classic White Pumpkin Variety

The Lumina is a standout in unique types of pumpkins. This conventional cultivar is prized for its smooth, white skin and traditional globe shape. Lumina plants produce two or three pumpkins weighing between 10 and 15 pounds. Harvest them at the right time to preserve their white color, since the skin can develop a bluish hue as the pumpkins mature.

Primarily used for decoration, the Lumina variety is a great choice for fall centerpieces or carving. The white rind and bright yellow flesh create a striking contrast when carved. Just think of the fun jack-o’-lantern possibilities!

2. Long Island Cheese: An Heirloom Pie Pumpkin

Another favorite in unique types of pumpkins is the Long Island Cheese pumpkin, which is famous for its unusual shape, weird name and pure buff color. This American heirloom earned its moniker from its uncanny resemblance to a large pale wheel of cheese. The pumpkin is flat and round with shallow ribs and a well-formed, thin stem. Weighing less than 10 pounds on average, the Long Island cheese has dense, slightly sweet flesh that’s prized for its use in pumpkin pie.

These heirloom pumpkins are also great keepers and will store well for many months if cured and kept dry. If you are thinking about carving the Long Island Cheese for Halloween, its especially thin rind means that the pumpkin will produce an eerie glow when it is well-lit from within.

3. Brodé d’Galeux Eysines: The French Peanut Pumpkin

Looking for unique types of pumpkins and something creepy without even being carved? Consider the Brodé d’Galeux Eysines squash—better known as the peanut pumpkin. This favorite French heirloom gets its nickname from its distinctive peanut-like warts that cover the exterior of the peach-colored rind. Individual plants will produce only one or two of the flattened squashes, weighing between 10 and 18 pounds.

This squash is also a culinary treat and is traditionally used by the French for savory dishes like soups and stews. Harvest timing matters: follow the seed supplier’s maturity guidance and handle the fruit carefully to reduce the risk of cracking.

These three varieties show how pumpkins can bring more than traditional orange color to a Halloween display. Mix white Lumina pumpkins, buff-colored Long Island Cheese pumpkins and warty peanut pumpkins for a display with a range of shapes, colors and textures.

This article about three unique types of pumpkins was written for Hobby Farms magazine. Click here to subscribe.