When to plant pumpkins
Short answer
Plant pumpkins about 2 weeks after your last spring frost. In a mid climate (zone 5) that's around Apr 29, starting seeds indoors about Apr 1. Enter your ZIP for your exact dates.
| Climate zone | Start indoors | Plant outside | Harvest |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 1 | Jan 1 | Jan 29 | May 19 |
| Zone 2 | Feb 1 | Mar 1 | Jun 19 |
| Zone 3 | Feb 24 | Mar 24 | Jul 12 |
| Zone 4 | Mar 16 | Apr 13 | Aug 1 |
| Zone 5 | Apr 1 | Apr 29 | Aug 17 |
| Zone 6 | Apr 16 | May 14 | Sep 1 |
| Zone 7 | May 1 | May 29 | Sep 16 |
| Zone 8 | May 18 | Jun 15 | Oct 3 |
Higher climate-zone numbers are colder, so planting shifts later. Pumpkins is a tender crop. Enter your ZIP in the calculator for your exact zone and dates.
Your exact dates
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Frequently asked questions
When should I plant pumpkins?
Plant pumpkins about 2 weeks after your last spring frost, once the soil warms. That's around Apr 13 in zone 4 and May 14 in zone 6.
When do I start pumpkins seeds indoors?
Start pumpkins seeds indoors about 2 weeks before your last frost, then transplant after the frost passes. That's roughly Apr 16 in zone 6.
How long until pumpkins is ready to harvest?
About 110 days from transplant or sowing. In zone 6, plants set out around May 14 are typically ready near Sep 1.