Connecticut Field Pumpkin Seed

Outdoor Sowing (Directly in the Garden)

• Timing: Sow pumpkin seeds outdoors after the last frost date, once the soil has warmed to at least 65°F (18°C), typically in late spring.
• Location: Choose a sunny spot with well-draining, fertile soil. Pumpkins require at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily and plenty of space for vines to spread.
• Soil Preparation: Loosen the soil to a depth of 12 inches and incorporate compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and drainage.
• Planting Seeds:
  • Sow seeds 1 inch deep in small mounds or hills, spacing 2–3 seeds per hill.
  • Space hills 4–6 feet apart for small varieties and 6–10 feet apart for larger varieties. Thin to the strongest seedling per hill after germination.
• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist until germination, which typically takes 7–10 days. Once established, water deeply and regularly, especially during flowering and fruit development.

Indoor Sowing (Starting Seeds Indoors)

• Timing: Start pumpkin seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before the last expected frost date for an earlier harvest.
• Containers: Use biodegradable pots or deep containers to reduce root disturbance during transplanting.
• Planting:
  • Sow seeds 1 inch deep, placing 1 seed per pot.
  • Cover lightly with soil mix and water gently.
• Germination:
  • Maintain a temperature of 70–85°F (21–29°C) for optimal germination.
  • Expect seedlings to emerge within 5–10 days.
• Transplanting: Transplant seedlings outdoors once soil temperatures are consistently above 65°F (18°C) and all risk of frost has passed. Space plants according to variety size, ensuring adequate room for vines.

General Care Tips for Pumpkins

• Sunlight: Provide full sun with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Pumpkins thrive in warm temperatures.
• Watering: Water deeply and consistently, especially during flowering and fruit development. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal diseases. Mulch around plants to retain soil moisture and reduce weeds.
• Fertilizing: Pumpkins are heavy feeders. Enrich soil with compost at planting and side-dress with a balanced fertilizer when vines begin to spread and again when fruit starts to develop.
• Weeding: Keep the area weed-free to reduce competition for nutrients and moisture. Mulching helps control weeds and maintain soil moisture.
• Pollination: Pumpkins rely on pollinators for fruit production. If pollination is poor, hand-pollinate flowers using a small brush.
• Supporting Vines: Provide ample space for vines to spread. For smaller varieties, a sturdy trellis may be used with slings to support the fruit.
• Harvesting: Harvest pumpkins when the skin is hard and fully colored, and the stem begins to dry out. Cut the pumpkin from the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a 2–3 inch stem attached to prolong storage life.