When to Plant Pumpkin in Sullivan County, PA
Pumpkins are large-fruited squash varieties grown for eating, decoration, and seed production. They require ample space and a long, warm growing season.
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and the first fall frost is October 17, giving you a growing season of approximately 169 days.
At an elevation of 560 feet, Sullivan County receives approximately 44.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly silt loam soil. Summer highs average 87°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.
Sullivan County Soil Profile
Soil Type
Silt Loam
Soil pH
4.9-6.8
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 — Sullivan County, PA
Pumpkin Planting Calendar
| Activity | When | Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Start Indoors | March 27 | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Transplant Outdoors | May 15 | May 15 – May 29 |
| Direct Sow | May 8 | May 8 – May 29 |
| Harvest | August 14 | Aug 14 – Oct 2 |
Plant 1" deep · 30" apart · Rows 42" apart
Month-by-Month Timeline
| Month | Activities |
|---|---|
| January | — |
| February | — |
| March | Start Indoors |
| April | Start Indoors |
| May | Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow |
| June | — |
| July | — |
| August | Harvest |
| September | Harvest |
| October | Harvest |
| 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 5a
Growing Season
169 days
Growing Tips for Sullivan 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 Sullivan County, PA?
Sullivan County is in Zone 5a with an average last frost of May 1. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.
What planting zone is Sullivan County, PA?
Sullivan County, Pennsylvania is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5a. The average last spring frost is May 1 and first fall frost is October 17.
Plan Your Garden with Confidence
Get our free Garden Planner — designed to help Sullivan County gardeners in Zone 5a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.
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