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When to Plant Pumpkin in Owyhee County, ID

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

Owyhee County, Idaho is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and the first fall frost is September 20, giving you a growing season of approximately 103 days.

At an elevation of 4,621 feet, Owyhee County receives approximately 18.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season. With low rainfall, drip irrigation is essential for growing Pumpkin successfully. Mulch heavily to conserve soil moisture.

Owyhee County, ID (Zone 6a) Short season
103 days
Last Spring Frost June 9
103 growing days
First Fall Frost September 20

Owyhee County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Monthly Watering Guide for Pumpkin

Pumpkin needs approximately 1 inches of water per week (4.3" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Pumpkin Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 1.1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr โ€” 2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
May โ€” 2.3" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Jun 4.3" 1.4" 2.9" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Jul 4.3" 1.8" 2.5" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 4.3" 1.7" 2.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Sep 4.3" 1.3" 3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct โ€” 1.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Nov โ€” 1.2" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Dec โ€” 1" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Junโ€“Sep in Owyhee County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Owyhee County, ID

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors May 5 May 5 โ€“ May 19
Transplant Outdoors June 23 Jun 23 โ€“ Jul 7
Direct Sow June 16 Jun 16 โ€“ Jul 7
Harvest September 22 Sep 22 โ€“ Nov 10

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

Moderate โ€” regular watering

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

85โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: N/A

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 6a

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

103 days in Owyhee County

Growing Tips for Owyhee 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pumpkin in Owyhee County, ID?

Owyhee County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of June 9. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Owyhee County, ID?

Owyhee County, Idaho is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is June 9 and first fall frost is September 20.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Owyhee County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

Get Your Free Garden Planner →

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 Owyhee County, ID. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.