Seed Depth: 1 inch

Seed Spacing: 18–24 inches

Row Spacing: 6–8 feet

Sunlight: Full sun

Days to Sprout: 7–10 days

Days to Maturity: 95–100 days

Growth Habit: Compact, trailing vine

Sunlight: Thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.

Soil Type: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH of 6.0–7.5. Add compost or organic matter to enrich the soil.

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

Direct Sowing: Plant seeds 1 inch deep, spacing them 18–24 inches apart in rows 6–8 feet apart or in hills with 2–3 seeds per hill. 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 risk.

Fertilizing: Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting and a phosphorus-rich fertilizer when flowers appear.

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

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

When to Harvest: Harvest when the skin is firm and a bright orange color, typically 95–100 days after planting. The stem should be dry and woody.

How to Harvest: Cut pumpkins from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving 2–4 inches of stem attached to prolong 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.