Pumpkin Planting Guide
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Cucurbita maxima · Vegetable · Cucurbitaceae family · 85–120 days to maturity
Get Your Personalized Pumpkin Planting Dates
Enter your ZIP code to see exact planting dates, soil compatibility, and growing tips specific to your county.
Where Can You Grow Pumpkin?
Pumpkin Growing Regions
Click any state to see the Pumpkin planting schedule for that location.
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Direct Sow | Transplant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3a | Apr 3 | May 29 | Jun 5 | Sep 4 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 3b | Mar 29 | May 24 | May 31 | Aug 30 – Oct 4 |
| Zone 4a | Mar 25 | May 20 | May 27 | Aug 26 – Oct 14 |
| Zone 4b | Mar 20 | May 15 | May 22 | Aug 21 – Oct 9 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 21 | May 2 | May 9 | Aug 8 – Sep 26 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 14 | Apr 25 | May 2 | Aug 1 – Sep 19 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 6 | Apr 17 | Apr 24 | Jul 24 – Sep 11 |
| Zone 6b | Feb 27 | Apr 10 | Apr 17 | Jul 17 – Sep 4 |
| Zone 7a | Feb 25 | Apr 1 | Apr 8 | Jul 8 – Aug 26 |
| Zone 7b | Feb 18 | Mar 25 | Apr 1 | Jul 1 – Aug 19 |
| Zone 8a | Feb 8 | Mar 15 | Mar 22 | Jun 21 – Aug 9 |
| Zone 8b | Jan 28 | Mar 4 | Mar 11 | Jun 10 – Jul 29 |
| Zone 9a | Jan 13 | Feb 10 | Feb 17 | May 19 – Jul 7 |
| Zone 9b | Dec 28 | Jan 25 | Feb 1 | May 3 – Jun 21 |
| Zone 10a | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 4 | Jan 1 | Jan 8 | Apr 9 – May 28 |
How to Plant Pumpkin
Growing Conditions
☀️ Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
💧 Water
Moderate — regular watering
Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Consistent moisture produces the best results.
🧪 Soil pH
6 – 7.5
Prefers neutral to slightly acidic soil — ideal for most garden beds.
🗺️ Hardiness Zones
Zone 3a – 10b
📅 Days to Maturity
85–120 days
Medium-season crop. Start early for best results in shorter seasons.
👪 Plant Family
Cucurbitaceae
Rotate with other families yearly to prevent soil-borne diseases. Don't plant in the same spot where Cucurbitaceae family crops grew last year.
How Much Pumpkin to Grow
Pumpkin takes 85–120 days to mature. In most zones you'll get one harvest per season, so plant enough to last.
Companion Planting for Pumpkin
✅ Good Companions
❌ Keep Away From
Check more combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →
Growing Tips for Pumpkin
Direct sow on mounds after last frost. Allow 6-10 feet between plants. Slip a board under developing fruit to prevent rot. Harvest when rind is hard and deep in color.
Saving Pumpkin Seeds
Recommended for Your Garden
Start seeds indoors with reusable cell trays and humidity domes.
Test your soil pH, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium levels before planting.
Keep your garden organized with durable, weather-resistant plant labels.
Level Up Your Garden
Pumpkin by State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Pumpkin?
Pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) takes 85 to 120 days from planting to harvest. Exact timing depends on your variety, growing conditions, and USDA zone.
What zones can Pumpkin grow in?
Pumpkin can be grown in USDA zones 3a through 10b. Use the planting calendar above to find the exact dates for your zone.
How much sun does Pumpkin need?
Growing Pumpkin requires Full Sun (6-8+ hours), Moderate — regular watering, and soil pH of 6 to 7.5.