Climate matters. This page is a practical baseline. Confirm cultivar, local frost/heat conditions, mature size and regional restrictions before planting.
Pumpkin — Growing reference
| Scientific name | Cucurbita pepo |
|---|---|
| Seed germination (days) | 4–10 |
| Soil temperature for germination (°C) | 18.3–35 |
| First harvest or flowering (days) | 75–120 |
| Measured from | Seed |
| Plant spacing (cm) | 91.4–152.4 |
| Mature height (cm) | 30.5–61 |
| Mature spread (cm) | 152.4–365.8 |
| USDA hardiness zones | 3–10 |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water | Moderate |
| Sowing method | Direct sow |
Growing directions
Sow 3–4 seeds 1 inch deep per hill in deeply worked, compost-rich soil once soil temperature is at least 65°F, then thin to the 2 strongest seedlings. Large-vined types need 6–10 feet of space per plant; choose bush types for smaller gardens. Place a piece of cardboard or straw under developing fruits to prevent rot. Harvest when the shell is fully orange, the rind is hard throughout, and the stem has begun to dry and cork.
Source and local conditions
Typical planning ranges from OpenPlantDB (CC0). Cultivar, climate, season and growing method can change these values. Confirm the seed label and local guidance before planting.
Source & verification
OpenPlantDB · CC0