Seed Depth: 1–1.5 inches

Seed Spacing: 24–36 inches

Row Spacing: 6–8 feet

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 7–10 days

Days to Maturity: 100–120 days

Growth Habit: Sprawling vine

Sunlight: Requires full sun, with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal growth.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Enrich soil with compost for the best results.

When to Plant: Sow seeds directly outdoors after the last frost, when soil temperatures reach at least 70°F.

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1–1.5 inches deep, spacing them 24–36 inches apart in rows 6–8 feet apart. Alternatively, plant in hills with 2–3 seeds per hill and thin to the strongest seedling.

Indoor Sowing: Start seeds indoors 2–3 weeks before the last frost and transplant carefully to avoid disturbing roots.

Succession Planting: Not typically needed; pumpkins produce a single harvest.

Watering: Water deeply and consistently, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risks.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer as vines begin to flower.

Pruning: Trim excessive vines to focus energy on fruit development.

Pest and Disease Control: Monitor for squash bugs, vine borers, and powdery mildew. Use organic treatments and row covers as needed.

When to Harvest: Harvest when the skin is bright orange, firm, and the rind is hard, typically 100–120 days after planting. The stem should be dry and woody.

How to Harvest: Use a sharp knife to cut the pumpkin from the vine, leaving 2–4 inches of stem attached to extend storage life. Handle carefully to avoid bruising.

Seed Collection: Scoop seeds from fully ripened fruit, rinse, and dry thoroughly.

Storing Seeds: Store seeds in an airtight container in a cool, dry place.