When to Plant Pumpkins for Halloween (Hint: It’s Sooner Than You Think)
Are you already excited for Halloween this year? You may be wondering when to plant pumpkins so they’re ready for the spooky season. In this article, plant expert Matt Dursum shows you when to get these ghoulishly large squash in the ground.
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You really can’t have Halloween in the U.S. without pumpkins. They’re fun to carve, eat, and, if you’re like my neighbors, …smash into a million pieces.
The tradition of carving pumpkins to make jack-o’-lanterns started in Ireland as a way of telling the tale of ‘Stingy Jack’ on Halloween. Originally, children put coals in carved out turnips, potatoes, and any other root vegetable they could find. When Irish immigrants arrived in the US, they found the American pumpkin to be the perfect vegetable for carving.
Today, pumpkins are synonymous with the holiday. If you’re planning on getting ripe pumpkins by Halloween, you’ll have to get them started soon. Read on to learn exactly when to get pumpkins started in time for Halloween!
(Hint: It’s sooner than you think!)
The Short Answer
Get your pumpkins planted in spring. These delicious, nutritious, and symbolic fruits need 80-150 days to mature. To get them ready by Halloween, start them no later than the beginning of June.
Ideally, you’ll want to plant them by May. This gives you enough time to harvest them. It also lets them become ripe enough for easy carving,.. and smashing!
The Long Answer
Pumpkins can be a little tricky to grow, and getting them started in time for Halloween can be difficult. Below are some tips on when and how to plant pumpkins for Halloween this year.
Understand Your Climate
These squash prefer long growing seasons with frost-free temperatures. Unfortunately, for some gardens, late-season frost can end up killing your plants.
If you live in zones 7 through 10, you can start pumpkin seeds outdoors without worrying about sub-zero temperatures. However, unexpected frosts in May can wipe out your crops once they’ve germinated. First, go to the USDA Hardiness Zone map and figure out which climate zone you live in.
After you know your hardiness zone, visit the Old Farmer’s Almanac to figure out your last frost date. This will help you determine when to start your seeds and transplant seedlings outside.
Start Seeds Indoors in Zones 3 to 6
These fall crops can take between 80 and 150 days to mature. If you live in cold climates, start them indoors in May.
Start your seeds around 3 weeks before planting outdoors. In most climates, this is usually around the beginning of May.
Plant 2 to 3 seeds about 1 inch deep in 3” cube pots like this one. Use well-drained, nutrient-rich soil and water continuously. Keep the ambient temperature above 75°F (24°C). Transplant outdoors once the soil temperature is above 70°F (21°C) and be careful not to disturb the root ball.
Sow Directly in the Ground in Zones 7 to 10
Soil temperature is the real determinant of when you can plant Halloween pumpkins. You can sow your pumpkin seeds directly in the ground as soon as the soil reaches 70°F (21°C). In warmer climates, this should be around the beginning to the end of May.
Before planting, test the soil temperature with a soil thermometer. If it’s below 65°F (18°C), the seeds won’t germinate. Once you know the soil is warm enough, follow the steps below to sow your seeds directly.
- Dig a furrow up to 1 inch deep
- Sow 1 to 2 seeds spaced far enough depending on the variety
- Cover the seeds with soil
- Water continuously until the seeds germinate
- Use row covers to protect the seedlings
Where to Grow
To get a bountiful harvest, plant your seeds in areas with full sun. They’ll grow best in mounds of soil with good irrigation and drainage. For the best results, try growing them using the Hugelkultur method. This technique means “hill mound” in German and relies on layers of organic materials, sticks, and compost.
Pumpkins need a lot of water but not soggy soil. Give them a deep watering about once a week and make sure the soil completely drains. Drip irrigation works very well for these native plants by supplying continuous amounts of moisture without over-saturating the soil.
What to Grow With Them
For best results, grow these wonderful squash with their favorite companion plants. These include corn, beans, nasturtiums, and radish. Pumpkins are great additions to a three sisters’ garden.
Some plants such as cucumbers and brassicas may introduce mold and pests to your pumpkin plants. Avoid planting them close to these plants to keep them disease-free.
Once they establish themselves in the soil, they’ll provide excellent covering for your soil within their large leaves. This makes them excellent ground covers in areas with direct sun.
Don’t Forget to Mulch
Pumpkins are sensitive plants that prefer to stay warm and hydrated. Mulching helps insulate their roots and locks in soil moisture and heat.
Once the fruits develop, the mulch will add a layer of protection between the fruit and the soil. The mulch also keeps the weeds down, which is crucial when the plants are young. Without competition, they can focus their energy on producing big ripe fruit.
Choose Disease-Resistant Varieties
Disease-resistant varieties make your job easier. If you’re planting them for Halloween, these pumpkin varieties will give you fewer problems.
This is especially important if you live in areas with lots of rain and humidity, like coastal Oregon or Florida. These varieties were bred to withstand mold, mildew, and some rare diseases.
On top of prioritizing mold-resistant varieties, you can plant them near herbs and other aromatic crops to ward off pests. Avoid over-watering your plants and consider pruning them to let airflow in.
Grow Odd Varieties for Ultimate Halloween Decorations
Pumpkins don’t have to be the same. There are dozens of unique varieties and cultivars to choose from. Some have creepy skin while others are multi-colored. Below are some fun Halloween-inspired varieties to choose from.
‘Jarrahdale’
‘Jarrahdales’ are silvery or bluish gray, large, and spooky. They are perfect for carving witches or other creepy decorations. On top of being spooky and colorful, they’re also very delicious. Try them in soups or roasted over an open fire.
‘Black Cat’
‘Black Cat’ pumpkins are strikingly dark green and spooky. They’re compact and easy to carve. Plus, they’re resistant to powdery mildew and other diseases.
‘Galeux d’Eysines’
‘Galeux d’Eysines’ are creepy, with a wart-like appearance on their skins. They’re also incredibly delicious and great in soups, stews, and sauces.
Try Growing Edible Varieties Too
Pumpkins come in a huge array of shapes, sizes, and flavors. While some are good for carving and making decorations out of, others are purely culinary. These squash have flavorful flesh and nutritious seeds.
Plant several varieties close by for the ultimate Halloween garden. Grow them with other fall crops, like corn and beans. When Spooky Day approaches, you’ll have a bountiful harvest and serve pumpkin-themed dishes right in time for trick-or-treating.
Final Thoughts
As you can see, it’s important to get your pumpkins in the ground early, just in time for the soil to warm to over 70°F (21°C). Choose diverse varieties and keep them well-watered and mulched. You’ll have big and ripe pumpkins just in time for Halloween.
