How to Grow Pumpkin

A warm-season fruiting for the home garden across the warmer US.

Pumpkin is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Pumpkin in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the pumpkin page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Seminole Pumpkin, Florida heirloom, heat- and pest-tough (Southern Exposure Seed Exchange)
• Calabaza, Tropical West Indian pumpkin (Baker Creek)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 150 cm (59 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 3 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 15 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Powdery mildew, Squash bug and Pumpkin beetle. In humid regions, Powdery mildew, Downy mildew and Fusarium wilt can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Pumpkin is usually ready to harvest in about 4 months. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant pumpkin where you garden.

See also: Pumpkin in the plant library →

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