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When to plant Pumpkin in Tift County, GA

Pumpkin planted in Tift County between March 7 and March 28 matures in 85–120 days — well before the November 18 first frost.

When to Plant Pumpkin in Tift County, GA

Pumpkin

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

Tift County, Georgia is in USDA Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and the first fall frost is November 18, giving you a growing season of approximately 256 days.

At an elevation of 139 feet, Tift County receives approximately 55 inches of rainfall annually with predominantly clay loam soil. Summer highs average 90°F, providing good warmth for Pumpkin during the growing season. Clay soil retains moisture well for Pumpkin, but amend with compost to improve drainage and prevent root rot. Ample rainfall means less supplemental watering, but ensure good drainage to prevent Pumpkin root diseases.

Tift County, GA (Zone 9a) Long season
256 days
Last Spring Frost March 7
256 growing days
First Fall Frost November 18

Tift County Soil Profile

Soil Type

Clay Loam

Soil pH

6.0-7.0

Drainage

Well Drained

Pumpkin Planting Timeline — Tift County, GA

Pumpkin Planting Calendar

Activity When Date Range
Start Indoors February 7 Feb 7 – Feb 21
Transplant Outdoors March 14 Mar 14 – Mar 28
Direct Sow March 7 Mar 7 – Mar 28
Harvest June 13 Jun 13 – Aug 1

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

Month-by-Month Timeline

MonthActivities
January
February Start Indoors
March Transplant Outdoors Direct Sow
April
May
June Harvest
July Harvest
August Harvest
September
October
November
December

Growing Conditions

☀️ Sun

Full Sun (6-8+ hours)

💧 Water

Moderate — regular watering

📅 Days to Maturity

85–120 days

🧪 Soil pH

Needs 6–7.5 · Your soil: N/A

🗺️ USDA Zone

Zone 9a

📆 Growing Season

256 days in Tift County

Growing Tips for Tift 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

Check more plant combinations with our Companion Planting Checker →

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I plant Pumpkin in Tift County, GA?

Tift County is in Zone 9a with an average last frost of March 7. Plan your Pumpkin planting based on this frost date — see the calendar above for exact timing.

What planting zone is Tift County, GA?

Tift County, Georgia is in USDA Hardiness Zone 9a. The average last spring frost is March 7 and first fall frost is November 18.

When should I plant Pumpkin in Tift County, GA?

In Tift County, GA, plant Pumpkin after the last frost (around March 7) and before the first frost (around November 18). Best results when soil holds above 50°F.

What growing zone is Tift County, GA for Pumpkin?

Tift County sits in USDA Zone 9a. Pumpkin grows reliably in zones 3a through 10b, so it's a good fit here.

Can Pumpkin grow in Tift County's climate?

Yes — Pumpkin grows well in Tift County's temperate climate. Tift County averages a 256-day frost-free season, with last frost around March 7 and first frost around November 18.

🌱

Your Tift County Garden Planner — Free

A 22-page printable planner built for Tift County (Zone 9a). Planting dates, a month-by-month schedule, harvest log, seed inventory, and succession charts — all dialed in for your exact growing season.

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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 Tift County, GA. Local conditions may vary. Last updated: July 2026.

Sources & credits

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