Pumpkins are everywhere in fall, with good reason! They're delicious in our best pumpkin recipes and fun to decorate. And they're actually easier to grow than you might think! If you want them in time for autumn, mid-summer is the time to plant seeds, believe it or not. And while a lot of edibles can be planted in containers, that's not exactly the case with pumpkins. They need space—and we mean a lot of space! They're also delectable to a several different pests, so this isn't a plant-it-and-forget-it kind of crop. You'll need to pay attention and inspect your plants every few days to ensure common pumpkin pests, such as cucumber beetles and squash bugs, and common pumpkin diseases, such as powdery mildew, don't damage (or destroy) your crop.

Here's how to get an awesome pumpkin crop in your own back yard:

  • USDA Hardiness Zones: 3-9
  • When to plant: Late May to early July

    How to Plant Pumpkin Seeds

    Pumpkin Seeds

    Whether you're looking for some fall porch decorating ideas or you're daydreaming of winning a prize at the county fair, pumpkins are easy and fun to grow! "Pumpkins do best if you plant seeds directly in the ground," says John Esslinger, horticulture educator with Penn State Extension. "Plant seeds three to five feet apart in full sun about an inch to 1.5 inches deep. Some gardeners recommend planting them atop a hill or mound of soil, but that's not necessary."

    Seeds can be planted in spring, after the last frost date in your area (check with your local university coop extension service for an estimate of that date here). But early to mid-July is the best time if you're planting for a fall crop. Read the seed package to learn the "days to maturity." You'll want to ensure the specific type you choose has enough time to mature and be harvested before the first freeze.

    While some pumpkin varieties can grow up to 20 feet long, many newer types are more compact. But "compact" is a relative term, and these vines still require plenty of room. Smaller types typically need about six square feet of ground. Read the package to ensure you're choosing a variety that will fit in your garden. Good types for smaller gardens include Orange Smoothie, Blue Prince, and Pumpkin Pepitas. And pumpkins aren't just orange; you can plant many different varieties including pumpkins that are pure white, speckled, or even blue at maturity!

    Although pumpkins have both male and female flowers on one plant, they require pollinators (usually bees) to set fruit, so be careful about using pesticides. And if you don't already have flowers in your garden, plant pollinator-friendly plants including annuals or perennials to attract them! It's good for your pumpkins and all your other edibles, too.


    How to Care for Pumpkins

    Eddie Phan
    Weed 'em and feed 'em. No matter which pumpkin variety you decide to grow, keep the surrounding area weeded. Yes, we know it's not the most fun you ever had. But pumpkins have feeder roots near the surface and this reduces competition for nutrients and water and promotes better air circulation, which helps pumpkins fend off diseases. Feed pumpkins once within a few weeks of planting with a general-purpose 10-10-10 fertilizer, says Esslinger.

    Keep them watered well. Pumpkins like tons of water when the flowers and fruits are forming. If you're having a dry spell, vines wilt or flowers shrivel and drop off. That means no pumpkins! "If there's no rain, water deeply once a week. A large vine needs about three gallons of water to soak the area," says Esslinger. "If you water more often and less deeply, you're training the roots to be too shallow."


    40 lb. All-Purpose Fertilizer 10-10-10



    Don't interfere with Mother Nature. Many gardeners suggest picking off some forming fruit to boost yield, but the plant knows what's best to set, says Esslinger. Just let Nature do her thing!

    How long does it take for a pumpkin to grow?

    Most types mature in 90 to 100 days, but it can take as long as 120 days for pumpkins to grow. Read the seed package so you'll know what to expect.

    Garden Glove

    When to harvest pumpkins?

    Pick pumpkins when they have fully matured, which is usually about 100 days after planting. Pumpkins are ready to pick when the fruit is fully colored (depending on the type, that may be orange, white, speckled or blue!) and the stems begin to shrivel. Wear gloves because the vines are super-prickly, and lift and carry your pumpkin by the bottom, not the stem, so it won't break off. Don't try to twist it off the vine; cut it with a knife and leave several inches of vine attached to the pumpkin.

