When to Plant Pumpkin in Columbus, Ohio (43291)
Location
Columbus, Ohio
ZIP Code
43291
USDA Zone
6b
Last Frost
Wednesday, April 15, 2026
📅 Planting Calendar
Direct Sow Outdoors Wednesday, March 4, 2026
Pro Tip: Pumpkin can be directly sown outdoors. Plant 6 weeks before your last frost date.
🌿 Plant Details
Scientific Name Cucurbita maxima
Days to Maturity 100 days
Mature Height 12-24"
Spread 120"
Type Vine
Fruit Size Large (8-20 lbs)
☀️ Growing Requirements
☀️
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
💧
Water
Regular (1 inch/week)
↔️
Spacing
60" apart
🌱
Planting Depth
1" deep
Seeds typically germinate in 5-10 days
🤝 Good Companions
CornBeanMarigoldNasturtium
⚠️ Avoid Planting Near
Potato
Other Plants for Columbus
Blackberry Blueberry Raspberry Strawberry Basil Chamomile Chives Cilantro Dill Lavender Lemon Balm Marjoram Mint Oregano Parsley Rosemary Sage Tarragon Thyme Acorn Squash Artichoke Arugula Asparagus Beefsteak Tomato Beet Bell Pepper Bok Choy Broccoli Brussel Sprout Butternut Squash Cabbage Cantaloupe Carrot Cauliflower Cayenne Pepper Celery Cherry Tomato Chili Pepper Collard Green Common Bean Cucumber Eggplant Endive Fennel Garlic Grape Tomato Green Bean Habanero Pepper Head Lettuce Heirloom Tomato Honeydew Melon Jalapeño Pepper Kale Kohlrabi Leaf Lettuce Leek Lima Bean Mustard Okra Onion Parsnip Pea Poblano Pepper Pole Pea Potato Radicchio Radish Rhubarb Roma Tomato Rutabaga Serrano Pepper Shallot Snap Pea Snow Pea Spaghetti Squash Spinach Squash Sweet Corn Sweet Potato Swiss Chard Tomato Turnip Watermelon Zucchini
Growing Pumpkin in Zone 6b
Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) is a popular garden vegetable. In Columbus, Ohio, which is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b, you should direct sow seeds around Wednesday, March 4, 2026.
Your average last frost date is Wednesday, April 15, 2026. Pumpkin grows well when direct sown, as it doesn't transplant well or germinates quickly outdoors.