Pumpkin Planting Guide — All Zones
Cucurbita pepo/maxima
Last updated: Apr 25, 2026Quick Facts
Sunlight
☀️ Full Sun
Water Needs
💧💧 Moderate
Spacing
60 inches apart
Planting Depth
1.0 inch
Min Soil Temp
65°F
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Maturity
90–120 days
Frost Tolerance
No frost tolerance
Soil pH
6.0–6.8
Difficulty
Easy
Planting Schedule by Zone
Select your USDA zone below for a detailed guide with tips specific to your region.
| Zone | Start Indoors | Transplant | Direct Sow | Harvest Start | Harvest End |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | May 8 | Jun 5 | Jun 5 | Sep 10 | Sep 12 |
| Zone 4 | May 3 | May 31 | May 31 | Sep 5 | Sep 22 |
| Zone 5 | Apr 23 | May 21 | May 21 | Aug 26 | Oct 2 |
| Zone 6 | Apr 8 | May 6 | May 6 | Aug 11 | Oct 10 |
| Zone 7 | Mar 29 | Apr 26 | Apr 26 | Aug 1 | Sep 30 |
| Zone 8 | Mar 13 | Apr 10 | Apr 10 | Jul 16 | Sep 14 |
| Zone 9 | Feb 21 | Mar 21 | Mar 21 | Jun 26 | Aug 25 |
| Zone 10 | Feb 3 | Mar 3 | Mar 3 | Jun 8 | Aug 7 |
Recommended for Your Zone
🌱 Pumpkin Seeds & Supplies
Find seeds, soil, and tools suited for growing pumpkin in your zone.
Shop on Amazon →Companion Planting
Companion planting improves growth, deters pests, and makes better use of garden space.
✓ Good Companions
✗ Avoid Nearby
Potato
📚 Data Sources
Frost dates: NOAA Climate Normals 1991–2020, National Centers for Environmental Information.Hardiness zones: USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map, Agricultural Research Service.
Growing requirements: Cooperative Extension Services — NC State, Penn State, University of Florida IFAS.
Companion planting: Cornell University Cooperative Extension.
Data compiled from public agricultural sources. Always verify with your local extension office for micro-climate adjustments.