Pumpkin illustration 🎃

🎃 Growing Pumpkin in Zone 3a

Zone 3a has harsh winters and a short growing season. Start Pumpkin early indoors to maximize your harvest window. Last frost: May 22. First frost: Sep 12.

Planting Calendar

Indoor
Outdoor
Harvest
Apr 24Sep 12

Season: May 22 – Sep 12 (113 days)

Zone3a
Last FrostMay 22
First FrostSep 12
Season Length113 days
Days to Harvest100
SunFull Sun
Frost ToleranceNone
Spacing1/sqft (12" apart)

When to Plant Pumpkin in Zone 3a

Start Seeds Indoors: Apr 24

Start Pumpkin seeds indoors around Apr 24 (4 weeks before last frost). Optimal germination temperature: 85°F. Germinates in 5–10 days.

Transplant Outdoors: Jun 5

Transplant Pumpkin seedlings outdoors after Jun 5. Wait until soil temperature reaches 65°F. Space plants at 1/sqft (12" apart). Harden off plants for a week before moving outside.

Harvest: Sep 8

First harvest approximately Sep 8 (~95 days from transplant). Continue harvesting until first frost (Sep 12).

Companion Planting

✅ Marigolds✅ Corn✅ Nasturtiums✅ Oregano
❌ Potatoes

Plan Your Pumpkin Garden

Track Pumpkin from seed to harvest with personalized frost dates, watering recommendations, and companion planting visualization.

Start Free Pumpkin Growing Guide