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When to Plant Pumpkin in Pushmataha County, OK

Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.

Pushmataha County, Oklahoma is in USDA Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and the first fall frost is November 1, giving you a growing season of approximately 213 days.

At an elevation of 465 feet, Pushmataha County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 90ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.

Pushmataha County, OK (Zone 7b) Long season
213 days
Last Spring Frost April 2
213 growing days
First Fall Frost November 1

Pushmataha County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.3-7.8

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (65 days to spare)
Start indoors: Feb 22 Transplant: Apr 5 🍅 Harvest: Jul 5 – Aug 23
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (59 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 5 Transplant: Apr 16 🍅 Harvest: Jul 16 – Sep 3
Safe Start (90%) ✓ Fits season (66 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 21 Transplant: May 2 🍅 Harvest: Aug 1 – Sep 19

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.

Soil Compatibility in Pushmataha County

How your county's soil matches Pumpkin's growing requirements.

Soil pH

Your soil pH (6.3โ€“7.8) overlaps with Pumpkin's range (6.0โ€“7.5), though not a perfect match.

Soil Texture

The loam soil in Pushmataha County is excellent for Pumpkin โ€” good drainage, moisture retention, and nutrient holding capacity.

Organic Matter

Organic matter is moderate (4.0%). Annual compost additions will help Pumpkin.

How to Plant Pumpkin

1"
Planting Depth
30"
Between Plants
42"
Between Rows

Plant Water Budget

Plant needs
1.3″/week
Rainfall provides
0.4″/week
You supply
1.0″/week
Watering frequency 2-3 times/week
Season total 1,966 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

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

Monthly Watering Guide for Pumpkin

Pumpkin needs approximately 1.3 inches of water per week (5.6" per month). Here's how your county's rainfall compares month by month.

Month Pumpkin Needs Rainfall You Supplement Action
Jan โ€” 0.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Feb โ€” 0.7" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Mar โ€” 1.5" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant
Apr 5.6" 2.4" 3.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
May 5.6" 3.3" 2.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jun 5.6" 3.3" 2.3" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Jul 5.6" 2.6" 3" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Aug 5.6" 2.9" 2.7" ๐Ÿ’ง Light watering
Sep 5.6" 2" 3.6" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Oct 5.6" 1.4" 4.2" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Nov 5.6" 0.8" 4.8" ๐Ÿšฟ Regular watering
Dec โ€” 0.6" 0" โ„๏ธ Dormant

Water needs are for active growing months only (Aprโ€“Nov in Pushmataha County). Supplement amounts are based on average rainfall โ€” actual needs vary with temperature, soil, and mulching.

Pumpkin Heat Requirements (GDD)

What are Growing Degree Days (GDD)?

Growing Degree Days measure the total warmth your plants receive during the growing season. Think of it as a "heat bank" โ€” every day above 50ยฐF deposits warmth that helps your plants grow.

Each plant needs a certain amount of accumulated heat to mature. If your county provides more GDD than the plant needs, it's a great fit. If it's close, you may want to choose faster-maturing varieties or start seeds indoors to get a head start.

Pumpkin needs ~1,794 GDD — county provides 3,727 GDD Excellent fit

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Pushmataha County, OK

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 5 Mar 5 โ€“ Mar 19
Transplant Outdoors April 16 Apr 16 โ€“ Apr 30
Direct Sow April 9 Apr 9 โ€“ Apr 30
Harvest July 16 Jul 16 โ€“ Sep 3

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 โ€”
June โ€”
July Harvest
August Harvest
September Harvest
October โ€”
November โ€”
December โ€”

Growing Conditions

โ˜€๏ธ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

๐Ÿ’ง Water

1.3"/week ยท 2-3 times/week

๐Ÿ“… Days to Maturity

85โ€“120 days

๐Ÿงช Soil pH

Needs 6โ€“7.5 ยท Your soil: acceptable

๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ USDA Zone

Zone 7b

๐Ÿ“† Growing Season

213 days in Pushmataha County

Growing Tips for Pumpkin in Pushmataha County

Direct sow Pumpkin outdoors after April 02 in Pushmataha County when soil has warmed and frost danger has passed.

Common pests for Pumpkin in this region include squash vine borer and cucumber beetles. Use row covers early in the season and inspect plants weekly.

Pushmataha County receives only 22" of rain annually. Pumpkin needs consistent moisture โ€” install drip irrigation or water deeply 2-3 times per week.

General growing tips

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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pumpkin in Pushmataha County, OK?

Pushmataha County is in Zone 7b with an average last frost of April 2. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Pushmataha County, OK?

Pushmataha County, Oklahoma is in USDA Hardiness Zone 7b. The average last spring frost is April 2 and first fall frost is November 1.

๐ŸŒฑ

Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Pushmataha County gardeners in Zone 7b 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 Pushmataha County, OK. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.