When to Plant Pumpkin in Gray County, KS
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Gray County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and the first fall frost is October 19, giving you a growing season of approximately 184 days.
At an elevation of 903 feet, Gray County receives approximately 30.6 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.
Gray County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Loam
Soil pH
6.3-7.8
Drainage
Well Drained
Plant Planting Risk Windows
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
Water stress score is 8/10 — consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching
Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Gray County, KS
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 14 | Mar 14 – Mar 28 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 2 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Direct Sow | April 25 | Apr 25 – May 16 |
| Harvest | August 1 | Aug 1 – Sep 19 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | — |
| November | — |
| December | — |
Growing Conditions
Sun
Full Sun (6-8+ hours)
Water
Moderate — regular watering
Days to Maturity
85–120 days
Soil pH
6 – 7.5
USDA Zone
Zone 6a
Growing Season
184 days
Growing Tips for Gray 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
Level Up Your Garden
Pumpkin in Other Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Pumpkin in Gray County, KS?
Gray County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of April 18. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Gray County, KS?
Gray County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is April 18 and first fall frost is October 19.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Gray County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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