Pumpkin
Cucurbita pepo
Family: Cucurbitaceae
Pumpkin grows in full sun and prefers well-drained fertile soil. Water needs: Moderate.
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How to Grow Pumpkin
Pumpkin growing information includes sunlight requirements of Full sun, soil conditions listed as Well-drained fertile soil with a soil pH of 6.0-7.5, and Moderate water needs. The listed hardiness zones are 3-12. For propagation reference, the database lists germination or establishment information for Pumpkin as 5-10 days, with planting or establishment depth listed as 1 inch. Days to maturity are listed as 90-120 days.
Plant Overview
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is listed in the Cucurbitaceae family and categorized as a vegetable with an annual life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Beginner.
- Plant ID
- PLT-0006
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Plant type
- Vegetable
- Life cycle
- Annual
- Growth habit
- Trailing warm-season vine
- Mature spread
- Approximately 10-20 ft depending on cultivar
- Difficulty
- Beginner
Growing Conditions
Pumpkin is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate. The database soil reference is Well-drained fertile soil. The listed soil pH range is 6.0-7.5, and the listed hardiness range is 3-12.
- Hardiness zones
- 3-12
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil
- Well-drained fertile soil
- Soil pH
- 6.0-7.5
- Water needs
- Moderate
- Plant spacing
- 3-6 ft or more depending on cultivar
Seed & Germination
For seed starting, the listed germination time is 5-10 days and the seed depth is 1 inch. The listed time to maturity is 90-120 days. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.
- Germination
- 5-10 days
- Germination temperature
- About 70-95°F
- Seed depth
- 1 inch
Harvest & Propagation
- Days to maturity
- 90-120 days
- Harvest
- Harvest when fruit has full mature color, a hard rind, and the stem begins to dry
- Propagation
- Primarily by seed
- Pollination
- Separate male and female flowers; bees are important for fruit set
Garden Information
- Common pests
- Squash bugs, squash vine borers, cucumber beetles and aphids
- Uses
- Cooking, baking, soups, roasting, decoration and seed use
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Growing Reference Note
Plant performance can vary with climate, soil, weather, cultivar, seed quality, and gardening methods. The values on this page are general database reference ranges rather than a substitute for local extension guidance or seed-packet instructions.