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When to Plant Pumpkin in Montgomery 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.

Montgomery County, Kansas is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and the first fall frost is October 25, giving you a growing season of approximately 201 days.

At an elevation of 457 feet, Montgomery County receives approximately 27 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 85ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.

Montgomery County, KS (Zone 6b) Long season
201 days
Last Spring Frost April 7
201 growing days
First Fall Frost October 25

Montgomery County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.6-7.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (48 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 24 Transplant: Apr 14 🍅 Harvest: Jul 14 – Sep 1
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (47 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 3 Transplant: Apr 21 🍅 Harvest: Jul 21 – Sep 8
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (49 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 17 Transplant: May 5 🍅 Harvest: Aug 4 – Sep 22

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
0.6″/week
You supply
0.9″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,580 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Pumpkin needs ~1,409 GDD — county provides 2,763 GDD Excellent fit

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Montgomery County, KS

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 3 Mar 3 โ€“ Mar 17
Transplant Outdoors April 21 Apr 21 โ€“ May 5
Direct Sow April 14 Apr 14 โ€“ May 5
Harvest July 21 Jul 21 โ€“ Sep 8

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January โ€”
February โ€”
March Start Indoors
April Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
May Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
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 6b

Growing Season

201 days

Growing Tips for Montgomery 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 Montgomery County, KS?

Montgomery County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 7. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Montgomery County, KS?

Montgomery County, Kansas is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 7 and first fall frost is October 25.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Montgomery County gardeners in Zone 6b 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 Montgomery County, KS. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.