When to plant pumpkins
Pumpkins are frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 65°F.
Pumpkins dates for Columbus, Ohio (example)
Example dates. Enter your ZIP above for your own.
| Start indoors | Mar 23–30 |
|---|---|
| Transplant outside | May 4–18 |
| Sow outdoors | May 4–25 |
| Last planting for a harvest before frost | Jun 26 |
| Soil temperature | 65°F or warmer |
| Days to harvest | 90–120 |
| Spacing | 4–6 ft apart |
Your pumpkin year
- Start indoors
- Transplant outside
- Sow outdoors
Average last frost Apr 20, first frost Oct 24.
Growing tips for pumpkins
- For Halloween pumpkins, count the variety's days to harvest back from early October.
- Pumpkins planted too early may ripen in August and soften before October.
- Vines sprawl 10–20 ft; semi-bush varieties suit small gardens.
Work out indoor sowing for everything at once with the seed starting calculator.
When to plant pumpkins in major cities
Calculated from each city's NOAA 1991–2020 average frost dates.
| City | Zone | Transplant |
|---|---|---|
| New York, NY | 7b | Apr 13–27 |
| Chicago, IL | 6b | Apr 24 – May 8 |
| Los Angeles, CA | 10b | Feb 8–22 |
| Houston, TX | 9b | Feb 16 – Mar 2 |
| Phoenix, AZ | 10a | Jan 19 – Feb 2 |
| Philadelphia, PA | 7b | Apr 13–27 |
| Dallas, TX | 8b | Mar 16–30 |
| Atlanta, GA | 8a | Apr 7–21 |
| Seattle, WA | 9a | Mar 27 – Apr 10 |
| Denver, CO | 6a | May 14–28 |
| Boston, MA | 7a | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Minneapolis, MN | 5a | May 7–21 |
| Kansas City, MO | 6b | Apr 18 – May 2 |
| Nashville, TN | 7b | Apr 15–29 |
| Portland, OR | 9a | Mar 11–25 |
| Salt Lake City, UT | 7b | Apr 14–28 |
| Columbus, OH | 6b | May 4–18 |
| Charlotte, NC | 8a | Apr 13–27 |
| Detroit, MI | 6b | May 5–19 |
| Raleigh, NC | 8a | Apr 11–25 |
Pumpkins planting FAQ
When should I plant pumpkins?
Pumpkins are frost-tender, so start seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last frost; transplant 2–4 weeks after it. Plant when the soil is at least 65°F.
How many days until pumpkins are ready to harvest?
Most pumpkin varieties take about 90–120 days from sowing. Check the seed packet: early varieties are at the low end.
Can pumpkins survive frost?
No. Pumpkins are damaged or killed by a 32°F frost, so wait until after your last frost and cover plants if a late frost is forecast.
How far apart should I plant pumpkins?
Space pumpkins 4–6 ft apart.
What is the last date I can plant pumpkins?
Count the variety's days to maturity back from your first fall frost. Enter your ZIP code on this page and Seasonwise calculates the date for you.
Ask about growing pumpkins
Enter your ZIP above first and answers will use your local frost dates. Written by an AI model; double-check anything important.