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When to Plant Pumpkin in Saline County, AR

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

Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and the first fall frost is November 9, giving you a growing season of approximately 228 days.

At an elevation of 598 feet, Saline County receives approximately 47.9 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 89ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.

Saline County, AR (Zone 7b) Long season
228 days
Last Spring Frost March 26
228 growing days
First Fall Frost November 9

Saline County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Silt Loam

Soil pH

5.6-7.1

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (76 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 15 Transplant: Mar 29 🍅 Harvest: Jun 28 – Aug 16
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (74 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 26 Transplant: Apr 9 🍅 Harvest: Jul 9 – Aug 27
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (71 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 18 Transplant: Apr 29 🍅 Harvest: Jul 29 – Sep 16

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
Watering frequency Natural rainfall sufficient
Season total 0 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 6/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Pumpkin needs ~1,717 GDD — county provides 3,819 GDD Excellent fit

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Saline County, AR

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 26 Feb 26 โ€“ Mar 12
Transplant Outdoors April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 23
Direct Sow April 2 Apr 2 โ€“ Apr 23
Harvest July 9 Jul 9 โ€“ Aug 27

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February Start Indoors
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May โ€”
June โ€”
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

228 days

Growing Tips for Saline 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 Saline County, AR?

Saline County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of March 26. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Saline County, AR?

Saline County, Arkansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is March 26 and first fall frost is November 9.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

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

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Free download. Plan your entire garden season in minutes.

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