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When to Plant Pumpkin in Utah County, UT

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

Utah County, Utah is in USDA Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and the first fall frost is October 11, giving you a growing season of approximately 159 days.

At an elevation of 5,535 feet, Utah County receives approximately 22.1 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly loam soil. Summer highs average 86ยฐF, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season.

Utah County, UT (Zone 6a) Moderate season
159 days
Last Spring Frost May 5
159 growing days
First Fall Frost October 11

Utah County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Loam

Soil pH

6.5-8.3

Drainage

Well Drained

Plant Planting Risk Windows

Early Start (70% safe) ✓ Fits season (7 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 22 Transplant: May 10 🍅 Harvest: Aug 9 – Sep 27
Recommended (50%) ✓ Fits season (5 days to spare)
Start indoors: Mar 31 Transplant: May 19 🍅 Harvest: Aug 18 – Oct 6
Safe Start (90%) ✗ May not fit
Start indoors: Apr 26 Transplant: Jun 14 🍅 Harvest: Sep 13 – Nov 1

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
0.5″/week
Watering frequency 1-2 times/week
Season total 707 gal / 100 sq ft
Drought risk

Water stress score is 8/10 โ€” consider drought-tolerant varieties and mulching

Pumpkin needs ~1,486 GDD — county provides 2,305 GDD Excellent fit

Pumpkin Planting Timeline โ€” Utah County, UT

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors March 31 Mar 31 โ€“ Apr 14
Transplant Outdoors May 19 May 19 โ€“ Jun 2
Direct Sow May 12 May 12 โ€“ Jun 2
Harvest August 18 Aug 18 โ€“ Oct 6

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

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

Growing Season

159 days

Growing Tips for Utah 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 Utah County, UT?

Utah County is in Zone 6a with an average last frost of May 5. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date โ€” see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Utah County, UT?

Utah County, Utah is in USDA Hardiness Zone 6a. The average last spring frost is May 5 and first fall frost is October 11.

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Plan Your Garden with Confidence

Get our free Garden Planner โ€” designed to help Utah County gardeners in Zone 6a organize planting dates, track what's growing, and never miss a planting window.

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Data sources: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map (2023), NOAA 30-Year Climate Normals. Frost dates are based on 50% probability averages for Utah County, UT. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: April 2026.