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Pumpkin Growing Guide
Cucurbitaceae family
Companion Planting
Avoid Planting Near
PotatoesGrowth Stages
- Seedling
- Vining
- Flowering
- Fruiting / Harvest Ready
Planting Dates by Zone
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1a | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Sep 11 |
| Zone 1b | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Sep 11 |
| Zone 2a | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | Sep 1 |
| Zone 2b | Apr 27 | Jun 8 | Jun 8 | Sep 11 |
| Zone 3a | Apr 24 | Jun 5 | Jun 5 | Sep 8 |
| Zone 3b | Apr 17 | May 29 | May 29 | Sep 1 |
| Zone 4a | Apr 7 | May 19 | May 19 | Aug 22 |
| Zone 4b | Apr 3 | May 15 | May 15 | Aug 18 |
| Zone 5a | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Aug 15 |
| Zone 5b | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Aug 15 |
| Zone 6a | Mar 31 | May 12 | May 12 | Aug 15 |
| Zone 6b | Mar 18 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Aug 2 |
| Zone 7a | Mar 18 | Apr 29 | Apr 29 | Aug 2 |
| Zone 7b | Mar 13 | Apr 24 | Apr 24 | Jul 28 |
| Zone 8a | Mar 8 | Apr 19 | Apr 19 | Jul 23 |
| Zone 8b | Feb 22 | Apr 5 | Apr 5 | Jul 9 |
| Zone 9a | Feb 20 | Apr 3 | Apr 3 | Jul 7 |
| Zone 9b | Feb 10 | Mar 24 | Mar 24 | Jun 27 |
| Zone 10a | Jan 23 | Mar 6 | Mar 6 | Jun 9 |
| Zone 10b | Dec 31 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | May 17 |
| Zone 11a | Dec 31 | Feb 11 | Feb 11 | May 17 |
| Zone 11b | Dec 18 | Jan 29 | Jan 29 | May 4 |
| Zone 12a | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Apr 20 |
| Zone 12b | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Apr 20 |
| Zone 13a | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Apr 20 |
| Zone 13b | Dec 4 | Jan 15 | Jan 15 | Apr 20 |
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow Pumpkin?
Pumpkin takes approximately 100 days from planting to harvest.
How much sun does Pumpkin need?
Pumpkin requires full sun (6+ hours direct sunlight per day).
How far apart should I plant Pumpkin?
Plant Pumpkin at 1/sqft (12" apart) using square foot gardening spacing.
Can Pumpkin survive frost?
Pumpkin is frost-sensitive and should not be exposed to frost.
What are good companion plants for Pumpkin?
Good companion plants for Pumpkin include Marigolds, Corn, Nasturtiums, Oregano. Avoid planting near Potatoes.
How long does Pumpkin take to germinate?
Pumpkin seeds germinate in 5-10 days at an optimal temperature of 85°F.
When should I start Pumpkin seeds indoors?
Start Pumpkin seeds indoors 4 weeks before your last frost date, then transplant 2 weeks after last frost.
Growing Tips
- Direct sow in hills after soil reaches 65°F
- Give each plant 50-100 square feet of growing space
- Slip a board under developing pumpkins to prevent rot
Common Pests & Diseases
- Squash vine borer
- Squash bugs
- Powdery mildew
- Cucumber beetle
Harvest Notes
Harvest when skin is hard and fully colored, and the stem begins to dry. Cut (do not pull) with 4 inches of stem. Cure in sun for a week.
Plan Your Pumpkin Garden
Track Pumpkin from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.
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