Scientific Name
Cucurbita pepo
Crop Culture
Pumpkins are a warm-season crop that requires a long growing season and plenty of space to sprawl. They prefer full sun and well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8. Amend the soil with compost or well-rotted manure before planting.
Plant pumpkin seeds directly in the garden after all danger of frost has passed and the soil has warmed up. In cooler climates, you can start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before the last frost date and transplant them carefully.
Planting
Sow seeds 1 inch deep, planting 2-4 seeds per hill. Space hills about 4-8 feet apart, depending on the variety. Once the seedlings have a few true leaves, thin them to leave the two strongest plants in each hill.
Pumpkins require a lot of water, so keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Use mulch to retain soil moisture and control weeds.
Grow Guides
For detailed information on growing pumpkins, including varieties, pest management, and harvesting tips, refer to our comprehensive pumpkin grow guide.
Diseases, Insects, and Weeds
Common pests include squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and vine borers. Diseases like powdery mildew and bacterial wilt can also affect pumpkins. Use appropriate organic or chemical controls for pests and practice crop rotation and good sanitation to prevent diseases.
Harvesting
Harvest pumpkins when they are fully colored and have a hard rind. Cut the stem with a sharp knife, leaving several inches of stem attached. Avoid carrying pumpkins by their stems, as a broken stem can lead to rot.
Storage and Preservation
After harvesting, cure pumpkins in a warm, sunny location for about a week to harden the skin. Store in a cool, dry place where they can last for several months. Pumpkins can also be processed and frozen, canned, or dried.