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When to Plant Pumpkin in Greeley 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.

Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and the first fall frost is October 10, giving you a growing season of approximately 163 days.

At an elevation of 963 feet, Greeley County receives approximately 21.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 87ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.

Greeley County, KS (Zone 5b) Moderate season
163 days
Last Spring Frost April 30
163 growing days
First Fall Frost October 10

Greeley County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.2-7.2

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Sep 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (9 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 26 Transplant: May 14 🍅 Harvest: Aug 13 – Oct 1
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (10 days to spare)
Start indoors: Apr 8 Transplant: May 27 🍅 Harvest: Aug 26 – Oct 14

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
0.5″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,317 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Pumpkin needs ~1,563 GDD — county provides 2,485 GDD Excellent fit

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Greeley County, KS

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 26 Mar 26 โ€“ Apr 9
Transplant Outdoors May 14 May 14 โ€“ May 28
Direct Sow May 7 May 7 โ€“ May 28
Harvest August 13 Aug 13 โ€“ Oct 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Start Indoors
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July โ€”
August Harvest
September Harvest
October Harvest
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 5b

Growing Season

163 days

Growing Tips for Greeley 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 Greeley County, KS?

Greeley County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 30. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Greeley County, KS?

Greeley County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 30 and first fall frost is October 10.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Greeley County gardeners in Zone 5b 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 Greeley County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.