When to Plant and Harvest Pumpkin
Classic fall favorite for carving, cooking, and festive decoration
Soil pH: Target soil pH 6.5. Lime if a soil test reads below 6.0. Keep it within 6.0 to 7.0. Soil Test Desk
Curing and storage: Store at 50 to 55F and 50 to 70% humidity. Keeps 2 to 3 months. Cure: About 10 days at 80 to 85F in a well-ventilated spot. Do not carry pumpkins by the stem. A pumpkin without its stem does not store well. Harvest Storage Desk
How many to grow for what you cook: Pumpkin pie from scratch. Plate to Plot planner
Pets: Non-toxic to dogs and cats (ASPCA). ASPCA lists Cucurbita pepo as non-toxic under Acorn Squash and names pumpkin as a similar plant. ASPCA entry. Pet-Safe Garden Finder
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.
Related Planting Guides
Planting Windows by Zone
| Zone | Spring | Fall |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | May 15 to June 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 2 | May 10 to June 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 3 | May 1 to June 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 4 | April 20 to May 30 | Spring only |
| Zone 5 | April 15 to May 25 | Spring only |
| Zone 6 | April 10 to May 20 | Spring only |
| Zone 7 | April 1 to May 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 8 | March 20 to May 10 | Spring only |
| Zone 9 | March 10 to May 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 10 | February 15 to April 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 11 | January 15 to March 15 | Spring only |
| Zone 12 | January 1 to March 1 | Spring only |
| Zone 13 | Year-round | Year-round |
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
Check any pair, and see which pairings have research behind them, on the Companion Planting Desk.
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
Track picks and rate the season on the Harvest Log.
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.
How long does Pumpkin take to grow?
Pumpkin is typically ready to harvest in about 100 days under good conditions. Use the harvest signs below rather than the calendar alone.
How do I know when to harvest Pumpkin?
Harvest Pumpkin when skin is hard and deep orange (or variety color). Stem is dry and corky Rind resists puncture from a fingernail