How to Grow Pumpkin
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Supplies You'll Need
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Plant Overview
Growing Requirements
Sun
Full Sun (6-8 hours)
Water
Regular (1 inch/week)
Spacing
5 ft apart
Depth
1" deep
Height
12-24"
Germination
5-10 days
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Good Companions
Avoid Planting Near
Full Companion Planting Guide for Pumpkin
See which plants help Pumpkin thrive, which to keep away, and raised bed layout tips →
Common Pumpkin Varieties
Popular cultivars to look for at your local nursery or seed supplier.
Jack-o-Lantern
The classic Halloween pumpkin — large, round, and uniformly orange with thick walls.
Sugar Pie
Small, dense-fleshed pumpkin bred specifically for sweet, flavorful pies.
Cinderella (Rouge Vif d'Etampes)
Stunning flat, deeply ribbed French heirloom in vivid orange-red; excellent for display and cooking.
Atlantic Giant
The competition giant — record-breaking fruits that have exceeded 2,600 pounds.
Jarrahdale
Australian heirloom with blue-grey skin and sweet orange flesh; very ornamental.
Days-to-maturity figures are approximate and vary by climate and growing conditions.
Common Pumpkin Problems
What to watch for — and how to fix it before it spreads.
Pests
Larvae tunnel into the main stem, causing sudden wilt; look for entry holes at the base with yellow frass.
Wrap stem base in foil; plant after peak moth flight; inject Bt into the stem via a syringe for severe cases.
Adults and nymphs suck plant sap causing leaves to wilt; inject toxic saliva that kills vines.
Destroy bronze egg clusters on leaf undersides; handpick adults early in the morning; use kaolin clay.
Transmits bacterial wilt and cucumber mosaic virus; feeds on flowers and young fruit.
Row covers until flowering; beneficial nematodes; pyrethrin sprays if severe.
Diseases
White powdery coating on leaves; almost universal by late summer; reduces but rarely kills the plant.
Plant resistant varieties; apply potassium bicarbonate or sulfur; ensure good airflow.
Water-soaked lesions at the crown; plant collapses rapidly in saturated soil.
Grow on a ridge or raised bed; avoid low-lying areas; improve drainage.
Common Mistakes
Pumpkins are very frost-sensitive; cold soil stunts vines and seeds rot.
Direct sow after last frost when soil is 65°F+; most varieties mature in 90–120 days so no rush.
Female flowers abort when pollinators are scarce, especially in rainy periods.
Transfer pollen from male to female flower with a brush or use a male flower like a paintbrush.
Direct ground contact in wet conditions causes the skin to rot before harvest.
Slip a piece of wood or a tile under developing pumpkins to keep them off the ground.
Seed Saving Guide
ModerateWhen to Harvest Seed
Allow fruit to fully mature and cure — ripe pumpkins have the most viable seeds.
Processing
Scoop seeds from mature pumpkin, rinse off stringy flesh, spread flat to dry for 2 weeks.
Seed Viability
Up to 4 years when stored cool, dark, and dry.
Pro Tip
Pumpkins cross freely with squash of the same species. Hand-pollinate in the morning for pure seed.
Seed Storage Supplies
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Raised Bed Planting Guides
A 4×8 bed fits 1 plant of Pumpkin. See plant counts, spacing grids, and companion pairings for every bed size →
Pumpkin Planting Calendar by Zone
Pumpkin Planting Calendar by State
Other Plants
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pumpkin? +
Sow Pumpkin seeds directly in the garden 6 weeks before your last frost date. Use the search on this page to find exact dates for your location.
How long does Pumpkin take to grow? +
Pumpkin typically matures in about 100 days from planting. Exact timing varies by variety, soil conditions, and local climate.
Should I start Pumpkin indoors or direct sow? +
Pumpkin does best when direct sown outdoors. Plant seeds directly in the garden at the appropriate time based on your local frost dates.
How much sun does Pumpkin need? +
Pumpkin requires full sun (6-8 hours) to thrive.
How far apart should I plant Pumpkin? +
Space Pumpkin plants 60 inches apart to allow adequate airflow and root development.
How much water does Pumpkin need? +
Pumpkin has regular (1 inch/week) water needs. Consistent moisture is important especially during germination and early growth.
Can you save seeds from Pumpkin? +
Yes — seed saving difficulty for Pumpkin is rated moderate. Allow fruit to fully mature and cure — ripe pumpkins have the most viable seeds. Scoop seeds from mature pumpkin, rinse off stringy flesh, spread flat to dry for 2 weeks.
How long do Pumpkin seeds last in storage? +
Properly dried and stored Pumpkin seeds remain viable for up to 4 years. Store in a cool, dark, dry location in an airtight container with a silica gel packet for best results.
Are Pumpkin seeds open-pollinated? +
Yes — Pumpkin is open-pollinated, meaning seeds saved from your harvest will grow plants true to the parent variety. This makes it an excellent candidate for building a self-sustaining garden.
About Pumpkin
Classic fall harvest crop for pies, carving, and decoration. Needs lots of space to sprawl.
Expect your Pumpkin to be ready for harvest in approximately 100 days from planting.
Use the search above or browse by zone or state to find the perfect planting dates for your location.