Garden Guide for Zone 8b

Pumpkin

Pumpkins are a type of winter squash that are celebrated for their round, smooth, slightly ribbed skin, and deep yellow to orange coloration. They are most commonly grown for commercial use, such as in canned pumpkin and pumpkin pie, and for decorative purposes during Halloween and Thanksgiving.

Quick Info

• Soil: Well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
• Water: Regular watering, but avoid watering the leaves directly to prevent fungal diseases.
• Light: Full sun
• Sowing Method: Direct sow
• Growing Days: 90

Sowing Months

Harvest Months

Planting Instructions

Planting Instructions: Sow seeds directly in the garden in late spring or early summer, once the soil has warmed to at least 70°F. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in hills spaced 6 feet apart. Each hill should have 2-3 seeds.

Harvest Instructions

Harvest Instructions: Harvest pumpkins when they are fully mature and have a hard rind. Cut the fruit off the vine with a sharp knife, leaving a 2-inch stem attached.