2009 was the first year I grew Seminole pumpkins having purchased the seed from Mike Watkins at what was SC Seed Exchange, now Heavenly Seed in South Carolina. I started several seeds late in the season and transplanted them around July in both zones. The plants had very large beautifully mottled leaves. Those I planted in zone 7(a) (Quincy, California - the far-north region of the Sierra Nevada Mountain range - altitude around 3,450') grew as vigorously as those in 8(b) but an early very cold frost killed them even though they were protected by their sister John Haulk corn stalks. The one plant I planted among Bloody Butcher & Kentucky Wonder in zone 8(b) (San Rafael, California - a short distance across the bay from San Francisco) grew very aggressively taking over an area about 20' x 15' before climbing up and over the fence and into the neighbors yard, who incidentally just let it grown. That one late-planted vine produced six variously shaped and sized fruits before a hard frost killed her in early November. At that time, all the fruits she set were dark green which I harvested right after the frost. The frost did not appear to damage the fruits. Expecting a buff coloured squash, and getting a deep green instead, I was starting to wonder if I had actually planted Seminole squash or was inadvertently sent another species. Thanks to all who have contributed here I know that what I planted was Seminole. The five large fruits I have left are turning a lovely buff colour without deterioration of the fruit, at least as of now. I am going to leave the rest to continue to turn and am hoping the sweetness of the fruit will improve. The one small unripe fruit we ate was very meaty, firm and held it shape when cooked in soup, sauteed, and baked. I will be starting my seed in an outdoor cold frame in February. I am hoping to get a yield similar to those others have indicated they get from their plant with it turning buff on the vein. Transplant in zone 7(a) is expected to be mid to late May. Transplant in zone 8(b) will be April.