Pumpkin Seeds

How to Grow Pumpkins

Seedlings emerge in 7-14 days. Thin seedlings to 2-3 per hill when they are 1-2" high. Pumpkins need plenty of water throughout their long growing season. Like their close relatives, cucumbers and melons, they produce male and female flowers on the same plant. You can hand-pollinate the flowers as you would for cucumbers if the bees are not pollinating them. If you are trying to grow extra-large pumpkins, allow only one fruit per plant to mature. Do not plant pumpkins and other squash family crops in the same spot 2 years in a row.

Harvesting Pumpkins

Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the rinds are hard and the proper shade of orange or white for the cultivar. If a light frost kills the vines, cut the fruits from the vines--with 3-4" of stem attached--before they are damaged by heavy frost. Pumpkins can be stored for weeks or months in a warm, dry place at 50-60°F. Use the flesh for baked pies, soups, casseroles, muffins, or bread. Or cook pumpkin as you would winter squash, and serve as a side dish. Roast the seeds for a tasty snack. The flowers are also edible and can be dipped in batter and deep-fried, stir-fried, or sauteed.

Companion Plants

Beds of vigorous, sprawling pumpkin vines can be bordered by corn, towering pole beans, sunflowers and other trellised or vine vegetables.