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When to Plant Pumpkin in Perry County, AL

Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.

Perry County, Alabama is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and the first fall frost is November 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 244 days.

At an elevation of 61 feet, Perry County receives approximately 49.2 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 91ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Pumpkin, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot.

Perry County, AL (Zone 7b) Long season
244 days
Last Spring Frost March 14
244 growing days
First Fall Frost November 13

Perry County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

5.4-6.7

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 7 Transplant: Mar 21 🍅 Harvest: Jun 20 – Aug 8
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (90 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 14 Transplant: Mar 28 🍅 Harvest: Jun 27 – Aug 15
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (87 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 6 Transplant: Apr 17 🍅 Harvest: Jul 17 – Sep 4

Percentages indicate frost risk at transplant. The 70% safe window means there is a 30% chance of frost after transplant — suitable for cold-hardy crops or gardeners with frost protection. The 90% safe window is best for tender plants.

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.0″/week
Rainfall provides
0.9″/week
You supply
0.2″/week
Watering frequency Only during dry spells
Season total 333 gal / 100 sq ft
Pumpkin needs ~1,871 GDD — county provides 4,453 GDD Excellent fit

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Perry County, AL

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 14 Feb 14 โ€“ Feb 28
Transplant Outdoors March 28 Mar 28 โ€“ Apr 11
Direct Sow March 21 Mar 21 โ€“ Apr 11
Harvest June 27 Jun 27 โ€“ Aug 15

Plant 1" deep ยท 30" apart ยท Rows 42" apart

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September โ€”
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

Days to Maturity

85โ€“120 days

Soil pH

6 โ€“ 7.5

USDA Zone

Zone 7b

Growing Season

244 days

Growing Tips for Perry County

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.

Companion Planting

Good Companions

Avoid Planting Near

  • Potatoes

Level Up Your Garden

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pumpkin in Perry County, AL?

Perry County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 14. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Perry County, AL?

Perry County, Alabama is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 14 and first fall frost is November 13.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Perry County gardeners in Zone 7b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Perry County, AL. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.