When to Plant Pumpkin in Rockcastle County, KY
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Rockcastle County, Kentucky is in USDA Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and the first fall frost is October 23, giving you a growing season of approximately 190 days.
At an elevation of 1,677 feet, Rockcastle County receives approximately 41.4 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 91°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.
Rockcastle County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.9
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
Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Rockcastle County, KY
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 12 | Mar 12 – Mar 26 |
| Transplant Outdoors | April 30 | Apr 30 – May 14 |
| Direct Sow | April 23 | Apr 23 – May 14 |
| Harvest | July 30 | Jul 30 – Sep 17 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | Harvest |
| 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 6b
Growing Season
190 days
Growing Tips for Rockcastle 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 Rockcastle County, KY?
Rockcastle County is in Zone 6b with an average last frost of April 16. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Rockcastle County, KY?
Rockcastle County, Kentucky is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6b. The average last spring frost is April 16 and first fall frost is October 23.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Rockcastle County gardeners in Zone 6b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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