Pumpkin seeds germinate best in warm soil temperatures. The ideal range for germination is between 70°F (21°C) and 95°F (35°C). However, the optimal temperature is around 80°F to 90°F (27°C to 32°C).

Direct sow only if you live in a warm climate.  Otherwise start seeds indoors 3-4 weeks prior to your last frost date.

Pumpkin seedlings should be transplanted outdoors after the last expected frost date, typically when the weather has warmed and soil temperatures consistently reach at least 60°F (15°C) or warmer.

Full sunlight: at least 6-8 hours a day.

Space plants 4-6′ apart. Be sure to check the seed packet for specifics on your variety’s size. Some pumpkin plants can sprawl over 50-100 square feet. Giant pumpkin varieties can even overtake 1,000 square feet of ground.

Pumpkins thrive in warm temperatures, with optimal daytime temperatures ranging between 70°F and 95°F (21°C to 35°C). While they can tolerate cooler nighttime temperatures, pumpkins perform best when nighttime temperatures remain above 60°F (15°C). Pumpkins are not hardy and will be killed by frost.

Keep the soil consistently moist.  Water at the base of the plants to keep the foliage dry and reduce the risk of diseases.

Pumpkins do not generally require pruning for healthy growth or fruit production, however, pruning can redirect the plant’s energy towards developing and ripening existing fruit. The main vine may be pruned to 10-15′ feet beyond the last fruit on the vine. Secondary vines may be pruned to 10-15′. Tertiary vines may be pruned off altogether.

When pumpkins are ripe for harvest, the skin will be fully colored and hard, and the stem should be dry and starting to crack. Press your thumbnail into the skin; if it doesn’t puncture easily, the pumpkin is likely ripe. Use a sharp knife or pruners to cut the pumpkin from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached.

Pumpkins are typically grown from seeds. If saving seeds from an heirloom variety, be sure to avoid cross-pollination. Different varieties of pumpkins will cross-pollinate with each other. Pumpkins can also cross-pollinate with other members of their species, cucurbita pepo, such as summer squash.

Pumpkins are monoecious plants, meaning they have separate male and female flowers on the same plant. It’s common for the male flowers to appear before the female flowers. After the male flowers have appeared and begun releasing pollen, the plant starts producing female flowers. Female flowers contain the structures that, when pollinated, develop into fruits, so do not fret if your pumpkins aren’t producing any fruit with the appearance of the first flowers.  This is completely normal, and you will have fruit before long.