Pumpkin Planting Guide
Classic fall favorite for carving, cooking, and festive decoration
Best Time and Place to Plant Pumpkin
In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Plant Pumpkin in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 95F, and enough room for 36 inches between plants and 72 inches between rows.
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Varies |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Varies |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Varies |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Varies |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Varies |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Varies |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Varies |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Varies |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | Varies |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | Varies |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | Varies |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | Varies |
| Zone 13 | Year-round to Year-round | Varies |
Spacing and Care
- Planting depth: 1 inches deep
- Spacing: 36 inches apart, 72 inches between rows
- Soil temperature: 60F to 95F
- Sunlight: 6+ hours
- Watering: 1-2 inches per week; water at base to prevent disease
- Days to harvest: 100
Fertilization
- 10-10-10 Balanced synthetic: At planting, then switch to 5-10-10
- Compost organic: 4 inches worked in before planting
- Fish Emulsion organic: Every 2 weeks until vines run
Companion Plants
- Corn
- Beans
- Nasturtium
- Borage
Avoid Planting Near
- Potatoes
- Fennel
Harvest Signs
- Skin is hard and deep orange (or variety color)
- Stem is dry and corky
- Rind resists puncture from a fingernail
- Hollow sound when thumped
FAQs
When should I plant Pumpkin?
Pumpkin planting depends on your USDA hardiness zone. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
What is the best time of year to plant Pumpkin?
The best time of year to plant Pumpkin is when your zone planting window is open and soil temperatures are around 60F to 95F. In USDA zone 7, the typical spring window is April 1 to May 15. Cooler zones usually plant later; warmer zones plant earlier.
Where is the best place to plant Pumpkin?
Plant Pumpkin in a spot with 6+ hours of direct sun, soil warmed to 60F to 95F, and enough room for 36 inches between plants and 72 inches between rows.
How far apart should I plant Pumpkin?
Plant Pumpkin about 36 inches apart, with rows around 72 inches apart.
What grows well with Pumpkin?
Pumpkin is commonly paired with Corn, Beans, Nasturtium, Borage.