GARDEN + GARDENING + GARDEN DESIGN + GARDENING TIPS & ADVICE

Planting - Pumpkin

Planting Information

Planting Instructions

Plant pumpkin in well-drained aerated soil.

Plant 4 to 5 seeds in hills 4' to 6' apart in rows up to 10' apart. (see seed packet for exact spacing of variety). Thin to the 3 healthiest plants on each hill.

In rows, plant 2 to 3 seeds per foot but thin to one pumpkin for every 2 feet when true leaves begin to emerge. Place rows about 6 ft apart.

Pumpkins can be planted indoors in potting soil about three weeks prior to the date of last frost. Put one seed per pot and place in full sun or under fluorescent lights. Harden off outdoors before transplanting. Do not let the plants grow too large in the pots before transplanting as the plant will suffer setbacks when transplanted and growth will be slowed or stunted.

To grow giant pumpkins, plant seeds deep about three weeks before the date of last frost placing them 1-in in 4-inch pots. Transplant to a very sunny, well composted bed. As the plant grows, cut off all but two branches. Remove all but one female flower on each stem after the flower is pollinated. Put a 4-inch mound of soil over the stem every two feet along the stem to encourage rooting. A single vine can cover 500 square feet.