Caring for homegrown pumpkins when they're in the ground can be a time-intensive process, but as long as you set a routine, there will be big orange gourds in your garden in just a few months. That means more carving, baking, and fall decor. Danny Watson, a garden center associate at The Home Depot, shares his best tips for planting and growing pumpkins from seeds.
When to Plant Pumpkins
The best time to plant pumpkin seeds is from late May to early July to enjoy them in the fall. You can choose store-bought seeds ready for planting or collect the seeds from a pumpkin you just carved—it's a pretty easy task.
Before you plant pumpkin seeds, remember that you'll need plenty of room in your backyard to space out the seeds, so aspiring pumpkin growers who need more outdoor space might want to stick to the pumpkin patch or store.
How to Plant Pumpkin Seeds
Planting pumpkin seeds isn't as easy as tossing them into some soil and watering—there's a bit of preparation you need to do to ensure they take root and thrive. Here's how to plant pumpkin seeds so you get a great harvest in the fall.
Step 1: Prep Your Seeds
If you're planting seeds that you removed from the inside of a fresh pumpkin, there's some prepping you'll need to do before you plant them in the ground.
- Clean off the pulp.
- Place the seeds in a colander and rinse them with cold water.
- "Once you've rinsed all the seeds, separate and select the biggest seeds," Watson says. "They have a better chance to grow and flower.
- Space them out on a paper towel so that they can air-dry."
If you're not ready to plant them just yet, store the seeds by putting them in an envelope and placing them in the back of your refrigerator.
For store-bought seeds, Watson suggests these three varieties:
- Autumn Gold: if you're looking to grow pumpkins, you can carve.
- Dill's Atlantic Giant: if you want to grow giant pumpkins upwards to 200 pounds.
- Casper: if you like all-white versions.
Step 2: Pick a Planting Site
"Pick a planting site with full sun to light shade," Watson recommends. "Keep in mind that the soil should be able to drain because pumpkins prefer soil that is not too soggy."
Pumpkins need room to grow, so you'll need to clear a big spot in your yard. "Due to large vines, it is best to plant your pumpkin seeds five feet apart," Watson says. "If you are growing a smaller variety of pumpkins, the spacing changes—instead, space them three feet apart."
Check the pH level of your soil (which you can do with a kit)—it should read between 6 and 6.8. Make sure the area is clear of any pests, insects, and weeds: "You can use weed block two weeks ahead of planting, which will allow the weeds to die naturally," Watson suggests. Another option? All-natural weed killers.
Step 3: Sow Pumpkin Seeds in the Soil
When it's time to put the seeds in the ground, be sure to do so properly. Spacing is essential because the vines grow to be quite large. In order to give them enough room, space your seeds about five feet apart. "Pumpkins grow best when you plant the seeds directly into the ground about one inch deep," Watson adds.
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Tips for Growing Pumpkins From Seed
Growing pumpkins isn't complicated, but there are a few things that can thwart the success of your plants. Here are a few tips to help your pumpkin plants flourish.
Keep Pests Away
Pay attention to any pests, insects, and weeds, especially in the early part of the season. After the plants are about 1 foot tall, you can start regularly fertilizing them with a nitrogen-based fertilizer.
Water Early in the Morning
"Diligent watering is very important as the vine can become susceptible to disease," Watson says. "Watering in the early morning (around 6 a.m.) is key, especially in the summer months, as the hot weather can make the vegetables extra dry." Watson also suggests purchasing a soaker hose.
In addition to watering, adding mulch around the perimeter can help the pumpkins stay hydrated. Don't forget to care for the vine and protect it (and ultimately the pumpkin) from damage.
Prune the Vines
"Once the vines are showing, switch over your fertilizer to one that is high in phosphorous," Watson recommends. "When you are ready to stunt vine growth (after a few pumpkins have formed), pinch off the fuzzy ends of the vine. Pruning the vine is a great way to help with space and focuses blooming plant growth."
Pumpkin Growth and Harvesting
Pumpkins typically have a growing season of 75 to 100 days. A few weeks before it's time to harvest, remove any leaves that are shading the plant—this will help give the pumpkins more color.
"A sign of a ripe pumpkin is when the outside is the proper coloring, and the skin is hard to the touch," Watson says. "The stem is also a sign of the pumpkins' ripeness. They will be dry to the touch and begin to shrivel."
When the pumpkin is ready, wear gloves and cut the stem one to four inches, keeping in mind that if you cut it too short, it will not store as long. After cutting the stem, place the pumpkin in the sun for 10 to 14 days to harden and ripen properly.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to grow a pumpkin?
Once seeds are planted, it takes about 90 to 120 days for a pumpkin to fully develop, depending on the variety. That means it takes about three to six months to reach full maturity. If you buy your seeds from the store, you can check the back of the package for the "days to maturity" information. If you get your seeds from a pumpkin you purchased, you'll need to know the variety to get a more accurate number. You'll know your pumpkin has reached maturity once it has a woody stem, full color, and a hard rind.
Is growing a pumpkin easy?
Pumpkins are actually an excellent option for beginning gardeners. If you keep a compost pile and ever threw out the insides of a Halloween carving pumpkin, you might have noticed they tend to spout on their own. If you follow the directions in this article, you should be successful in growing your own pumpkins. Remember watering and protecting your plants from pests are key.
How many pumpkins can you get from one plant?
You can expect about three to five pumpkins from standard-sized pumpkin plants. Smaller pumpkin varieties, like sugar pumpkins, may produce as many as ten pumpkins per plant. To get optimal growth from each plant, keeping your garden free of weeds, adequately watered, and giving your plants enough room to grow is important.
Should you soak your pumpkin seeds before planting?
Yes, you should soak your pumpkin seeds before planting. Soaking them helps with the germination process (and speeds it up). By soaking the seeds, you soften that hard outer shell, which 1) allows moisture to penetrate the seed and 2) lets the plant break through the shell more easily.
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