When To Start Growing Pumpkins

Knowing when to start growing pumpkins is the single most important step for a successful harvest. Get the timing wrong, and you might end up with tiny fruits or none at all before frost hits. This guide cuts through the confusion and gives you the clear, simple advice you need to plant your pumpkins at the perfect moment.

Pumpkins are warm-season vegetables that demand a long, frost-free growing period. They thrive on heat and sunshine. Planting too early in cold, damp soil is a common mistake that can doom your seeds. Planting too late means your pumpkins won’t mature in time. Let’s break down the best schedule for your garden.

This is your core rule: Plant pumpkin seeds outdoors after the last spring frost date for your area. The soil must be warm, at least 70°F (21°C), for good germination. For most regions, this means a planting window from late May through early July.

You have two main options: direct sowing seeds right into your garden, or starting seeds indoors a few weeks early to get a head start. The method you choose depends on your climate and how long your summer growing season is.

Understanding Your Frost Dates

Your local average last frost date is the key calendar marker. You can find this through your local university extension service or a quick online search. Once you have this date, you can plan backwards and forwards.

For Direct Sowing: Wait until 2 weeks after your last frost date. This ensures the soil is truely warm and danger of a cold snap has passed.
For Starting Indoors: Sow seeds in peat pots 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. This gives seedlings a boost without them becoming root-bound.

Planning by Pumpkin Type

Not all pumpkins mature at the same rate. Check your seed packet for “Days to Maturity.” This number starts from the day you transplant seedlings (or from germination for direct-sown seeds) until the fruit is fully colored and ready for harvest.

Small Pie Pumpkins (e.g., ‘Sugar Pie’): 90-100 days. You can plant these a little later.
Large Carving Pumpkins (e.g., ‘Howden’): 110-120 days. These need the longest season, so plant as early as safely possible.
Giant Pumpkins (e.g., ‘Atlantic Giant’): 120-140+ days. These require a very early start, often indoors.

Regional Planting Calendars

Here’s a general guideline based on U.S. regions. Adjust based on your specific microclimate.

Northeast & Midwest

Last frosts can occur into mid-May. The growing season is shorter.

Start seeds indoors: Mid to late April.
Transplant or direct sow: Late May to early June.
Tip: Choose varieties with fewer than 110 days to maturity to be safe.

South

Long, hot summers allow for more flexibility, and even two crops in some areas.

Direct sow: Early April through July.
For a Halloween harvest, plant in early July.
In frost-free zones, a second planting can go in as late as September.

West Coast & Pacific Northwest

Conditions vary widely. Coastal areas are cooler; inland valleys are hot.

Cool Coastal: Start indoors in May, transplant in June once soil warms.
Hot Inland: Direct sow from April to June.

Step-by-Step: Starting Seeds Indoors

If you have a short summer, starting indoors gives you precious extra weeks of growth.

Timing: Sow seeds 3-4 weeks before your last frost date. Do not start earlier—pumpkins hate root disturbance.
Containers: Use 3-4 inch biodegradable peat or cow pots. This lets you plant the whole pot, minimizing root shock.
Planting: Fill with seed starting mix. Plant seeds 1 inch deep, on their sides. Water well.
Warmth & Light: Place in a warm spot (75-85°F). Once sprouted, move to a sunny window or under grow lights for 12+ hours daily.
Hardening Off: One week before transplanting, acclimate seedlings to outdoors. Place them outside in a shaded, sheltered spot for a few hours each day, gradually increasing time and sun exposure.

Step-by-Step: Direct Sowing in the Garden

This is the simplest method and is best for long-season areas.

Soil Prep: Choose a full-sun location. Work in lots of compost or well-rotted manure. Pumpkins are heavy feeders.
Planting Hill Method: Mound soil into small hills 4-6 feet apart. This improves drainage and warms soil faster. Plant 4-5 seeds per hill, 1 inch deep.
Row Method: Plant seeds 1 inch deep, with 2-3 seeds every 3 feet, in rows 6-8 feet apart.
Thinning: Once seedlings have 2-3 true leaves, thin to the 2 strongest plants per hill or space.

What Happens If You Plant Too Early?

Planting in cold soil (below 65°F) is risky. Seeds will rot instead of sprout. If they do germinate, growth will be stunted and seedlings become vulnerable to pests and diseases. A late spring frost will kill young plants outright. It’s always better to wait for genuine warmth.

What Happens If You Plant Too Late?

This is a more common error than you might think. Pumpkins need that long stretch of warm weather to develop and sweeten. If planted to late, the fruits will be small, pale, and not have that classic pumpkin shape. A early fall frost will cut the growing season short, leaving you with green pumpkins that won’t ripen off the vine.

Tips for a Timely Harvest

Use Black Plastic: Lay it over your planting area a few weeks before sowing. It warms the soil much faster, letting you plant a bit earlier.
Floating Row Covers: After planting, use these lightweight fabrics to protect young plants from cool nights and pests. Remember to remove them when flowers appear for pollination.
Count Backwards: For a Halloween jack-o’-lantern, count back the “Days to Maturity” on your seed packet from October 31st. That’s your last safe planting date.

FAQs: Your Pumpkin Planting Questions Answered

Can I plant pumpkin seeds in June?

Yes, in many regions June is an excellent time to plant pumpkins, especially for smaller varieties. It ensures soil is warm. For giant pumpkins, June is likely to late in most areas.

What is the latest date to plant pumpkins?

The latest date depends on your first fall frost. Find your first frost date, then subtract the number of days to maturity plus 10-14 days for harvest time. That’s your absolute latest planting date. It’s always smart to plant well before this deadline.

Is it better to start pumpkins indoors or outdoors?

If your growing season is less than 120 days, start indoors. If you have a long, hot summer, direct sowing is easier and often more successful because pumpkins don’t like their roots moved.

How long does it take to grow a pumpkin?

From seed to harvest, most pumpkins take between 90 and 120 days. Giant varieties need over 120 days of strong growth. Always refer to you seed packet for the specific variety.

Getting the timing right for when to start growing pumpkins sets the stage for everything that follows. By syncing your planting schedule with your local climate and your chosen pumpkin type, you give your plants the best possible foundation. Warm soil, plenty of space, and consistent care after planting will lead you to a autumn filled with perfect, homegrown pumpkins. Remember, patience in spring leads to abundance in fall.