When to Plant Pumpkin in Atchison County, MO
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and the first fall frost is October 13, giving you a growing season of approximately 174 days.
At an elevation of 1,206 feet, Atchison County receives approximately 39.7 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 83°F, so choose short-season varieties of Pumpkin to ensure they mature before fall.
Atchison County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
5.3-6.8
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
Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Atchison County, MO
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 18 | Mar 18 – Apr 1 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 6 | May 6 – May 20 |
| Direct Sow | April 29 | Apr 29 – May 20 |
| Harvest | August 5 | Aug 5 – Sep 23 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors 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 5b
Growing Season
174 days
Growing Tips for Atchison 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 Atchison County, MO?
Atchison County is in Zone 5b with an average last frost of April 22. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Atchison County, MO?
Atchison County, Missouri is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5b. The average last spring frost is April 22 and first fall frost is October 13.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Atchison County gardeners in Zone 5b organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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