Growing Pumpkins
Homegrown Pumpkins
Growing Pumpkins
The best season is pumpkin-season! Pumpkins are the classic symbol of fall gracing doorsteps, gardens, homes and more with their natural beauty. They make perfect decorations and are the star of many fall recipes from pumpkin pie and muffins to casseroles and lattes. They taste delicious and are a great source of vitamins A and C, beta-carotene, fiber, and potassium.
Growing pumpkins is rewarding and a fun family project. Pumpkins are a vining plant so give them space in the garden. Pumpkins can easily be grown from starter plants or by seed for a wider range of varieties. On average, pumpkin plants take 90-120 days to produce mature pumpkins so plant in the garden between May and mid-June for pumpkins in time for autumn. Plant your pumpkins in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil in an area that receives at least 6 hours of sunlight each day (full sun). Keep soil evenly moist but not soggy.
Types of Pumpkins
Grow classic orange jack-o-lantern pumpkins for carving, colorful heirloom pumpkins and ghostly white pumpkins for decorating, along with flavorful pumpkins perfect for pies.
Jack-O-Lantern Pumpkins
The best pumpkin for carving. A classic round orange pumpkin measuring 10 inches tall and wide.
Days to Maturity: 105 Days
Big Max Pumpkins
Win the biggest pumpkin award with this variety know for its size. A round orange pumpkin that can measure up to 2 feet tall and wide and up to 100 pounds or more. To increase the pumpkin size, grow one pumpkin per vine.
Days to Maturity: 120 Days
Jarrahdale Pumpkins
Perfect for decorating, this blue-gray squatty pumpkin looks good and is perfect for baking. The flesh is golden orange with a sweet, nutty taste.
Days to Maturity: 100 Days
Lumina Pumpkins
A pretty, round white pumpkin growing 8-10 inches in diameter. Perfect for decorating, painting, carving and eating!
Days to Maturity: 90 Days
Sugar Pie Pumpkins
The sweetest, most flavorful pumpkin perfect for pies, muffins, casseroles and more. A great pumpkin for decorating accents growing 6-7 inches in size.
Days to Maturity: 90-115 Days
Red Warty Things Pumpkin
The best textured pumpkin with red-orange warty skin. It looks great and tastes better. A hearty pumpkin that typically weighs 10-20 pounds.
Days to Maturity: 110 Days
Pumpkin Plant FAQ
Why are my pumpkin leaves turning yellow?
This means the plant is stressed. If older leaves are yellow and the new leaves appear green that usually means the plant is stressed from not enough water, it's been too hot or its nutrient deficient. The best remedy is to thoroughly water and apply an organic fertilizer like Dr. Earth Home Grown fertilizer.
Why are my pumpkins dying?
This is a sign that pumpkins are receiving too little or too much water. If the pumpkin is wiling and then dies it typically means it hasn't received enough water. If the pumpkin loses color this typically means its received too much water which also causes the roots to rot.
Do pumpkins need to be turned?
To grow nice round blemish-free pumpkins, carefully rotate the pumpkin every one or two weeks. This exposes all sides of the pumpkins to the sun creating a more evenly colored pumpkin.
When are pumpkins ripe?
Pumpkins are ripe and ready to pick when they are evenly colored and the skin is firm. A ripe pumpkin will be hard to puncture with a fingernail. Also, the vines will start to dry and wither. Pumpkins will not continue to ripen once harvested.
The new leaves on my pumpkin are curling.
This typically is caused by aphids. Look at the underside of the leaves and you'll likely find tiny white, green or yellow bugs. These are aphids and are sometimes so small you can't see them with a human eye. Aphids suck on the foliage and produce waste that looks like a sticky, sugary substance. To get rid of aphids apply all natural Bonide Captain Jack's Deadbug Brew. Aphids can also be prevented or eliminated with beneficial insects like ladybugs.
Are pumpkins a fruit or a vegetable?
Pumpkins are a fruit. By definition, fruit has at least one seed and are grown from the flower of the plant.
