Learning Download: How to Grow Pumpkins

Pumpkins can be grown for decorative and edible purposes, with different varieties grown to make pumpkin pie, carving for Halloween, to be used in canning and more. Pumpkins range in sizes from small, gourd-like varieties to large options and differ in color and outside texture as well.

Before Planting: Pumpkins like fertile, well-drained soil with a pH of 6-6.5. Row covers can protect seedlings for several weeks. Row covers should be removed when plants begin to flower. Time plantings so that varieties will mature for the fall market. Planting too early can lead to dead foliage and over exposure to sun.

Planting: Direct seeding is the easiest and most successful method of planting. Sow in late spring when soil is at least 70°F and danger of frost has passed. Sow 2 seeds at the appropriate spacing interval for the variety’s vine length, 1″ deep. Thin to 1 plant per spacing interval after seedlings are established. For transplanting, sow 2-3 seeds per 2″ container or plug flat about 3 weeks prior to transplanting. Transplant should be no older than 3 weeks as stunting and damage can happen.  Thin to 1 plant/container or cell with scissors. Harden plants 4–7 days prior to transplanting. After danger of frost has passed, transplant out according to the spacing recommendations for each variety. Handle seedlings carefully; minimal root disturbance is best. Bush to short-vine habits generally require 6′ between-row spacing, while long-vine habits generally require 10-12′ between-row spacing. In-row spacing varies depending on fruit size and is generally: small, 18-24″; medium, 24-36″ and large to extra-large, 36-72″. Spacing requirements may vary, so check under characteristics for each variety.

Watering: Water the pumpkins 1 inch per week, but don’t let water get on the leaves or the fruit.

Fertilizer: Pumpkins are heavy feeders with a long growing season. Prior to planting in the garden, add compost and aged manure to the soil. Add 1 cup of complete organic fertilizer below each plant prior to sowing and mix the fertilizer into the soil. Regularly treat pumpkins with compost and manure mixed with water or feed weekly with a fish or kelp-based fertilizer. Another option for fertilizing is to use a high-nitrogen fertilizer when plants are 1 foot tall and a high-phosphorous fertilizer before the blooming period starts.

Days to Maturity: Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the color they are supposed to become is deep and rich. (See each variety for days to maturity)

Harvesting: When fruit color is fully developed, clip handles close to the vine. Avoid picking up fruits by handles and take care not to damage the skin/rind. Sun cure in the field for 5-7 days. If possible store at 50-60°F with 50-70% humidity and good ventilation.

Tips: Common cucurbit diseases include powdery mildew, downy mildew, bacterial wilt, and phytophthora. Avoid problems with adequate soil drainage, good air flow, insect pest control, and crop rotation.

AVG. Seed Rate: 250 seeds/125′, 500 seeds/250′, 1,000 seeds/500′, 15M/acre @ 2 seeds/ft rows 6′ apart.