When to Plant Pumpkins in Kansas

Best Planting Times for Pumpkins in Kansas

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Indoor Planting	Start Seeds Indoors	April 1 – May 1
Outdoor Planting	Transplant Outdoors	May 1 – June 1
Direct Sowing	Direct Sow Outdoors	May 1 – June 1

Planting Conditions

Hardiness zone map image credit  The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) 

Kansas has a diverse climate, ranging from humid continental in the eastern regions to semi-arid in the western parts. The state falls within USDA Hardiness Zones 5b to 7a. The growing season in Kansas can vary, with southern and eastern regions typically experiencing a longer growing season compared to the cooler, western regions.

Start pumpkin seeds indoors from early April to early May to give your plants a head start. Once the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have warmed to at least 70°F, transplant the seedlings outdoors. Direct sowing is also an option from early May to early June.

Average Last Frost Dates for Kansas’s Largest Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Wichita	April 20
Overland Park	April 20
Kansas City	April 15
Topeka	April 20
Olathe	April 20
Lawrence	April 20
Shawnee	April 20
Manhattan	April 25
Lenexa	April 20
Salina	April 25

Average First Frost Dates for Kansas’s Largest Cities

City	Average First Frost Date
Wichita	October 25
Overland Park	October 20
Kansas City	October 20
Topeka	October 20
Olathe	October 20
Lawrence	October 20
Shawnee	October 20
Manhattan	October 20
Lenexa	October 20
Salina	October 20

Please note: These dates are averages and can vary from year to year.

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Useful Tools for Starting Pumpkins Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Seeds

Quality seeds lead to better germination and healthier plants. Starting with high-quality seeds gives your pumpkins the best chance to thrive from the very beginning.

Browse Pumpkin Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays help you organize your seedlings and ensure they have enough space to grow before you transplant them outdoors. This makes the process more efficient and increases the chances of strong, healthy plants.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if you don’t have enough natural sunlight. They provide your seedlings with the light they need to grow strong and healthy, even in less-than-ideal conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps young roots establish quickly and promotes healthy growth. It’s an easy way to give your seedlings the best start possible.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Greenhouse Growing

In Kansas, where the climate includes hot summers and cold winters, a greenhouse is essential for extending the growing season. It allows you to start your pumpkin plants earlier in the spring and protect them from early fall frosts, ensuring a healthier and more productive harvest.

If you grow pumpkins in a greenhouse or polytunnel, though, you should be aware that pumpkins take up a lot of space. You can reduce the amount of space required by training vining pumpkins up a vertical frame or trellis.

Currently, the 8x10x7.5 FT Greenhouse is priced at $999. It’s a great investment for ensuring your pumpkins thrive all year round.


Check the latest price on Amazon.

Fertilizer

Fertilizer is essential to provide your pumpkin plants with the nutrients they need for strong growth and a successful harvest.

Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

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Other planting guides for Kansas:

• Kale Planting in Kansas
• Broccoli Planting in Kansas
• Tomato Planting in Kansas

Any questions on growing pumpkins? Visit our forum to discuss: Growing Pumpkins

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Affiliate Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.

Useful Tools for Starting Pumpkins Indoors

Using the right tools can save you time and increase your success rate.

Pumpkin Seeds

Quality seeds are essential for healthy, vigorous pumpkin plants. Starting with high-quality pumpkin seeds ensures better germination and robust growth.

Browse Pumpkin Seeds on Amazon

Planting Trays

Planting trays are perfect for organizing your pumpkin seedlings and giving them enough space to grow strong before transplanting them outdoors. This setup helps increase your success rate by promoting healthy root development.

Find Planting Trays on Amazon

Grow Lights

Grow lights are essential if natural sunlight is insufficient, especially when starting pumpkin seeds indoors. These lights provide the necessary spectrum to ensure your seedlings grow healthy and strong, even in low-light conditions.

Check out Grow Lights on Amazon

Seed Starting Soil

Using light, fine soil specifically designed for seed starting helps pumpkin seedlings establish strong roots quickly. This type of soil encourages healthy growth from the start.

Get Seed Starting Soil on Amazon

Garden Tools and Fertilizer

Garden Trowel

A garden trowel is indispensable for transplanting pumpkin seedlings. It allows you to place each seedling at the correct depth, protecting the roots and promoting strong growth.

Shop Garden Trowels on Amazon

Soil and Fertilizer

Pumpkins are heavy feeders, so using a good fertilizer is vital for strong growth, especially if your soil lacks nutrients. By enriching your garden soil, you provide your pumpkin plants with the necessary nutrients to thrive and produce large, healthy pumpkins.

Explore Fertilizer on Amazon

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Timing the Harvest for Halloween

In Kansas, planting pumpkins between early May and early June will ensure they are ready for Halloween. Pumpkins typically take 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety. Planting by early June ensures they’ll be ready by late October.

Harvesting Tips

• Monitor Growth: Regularly check your pumpkins as they grow to ensure they are maturing properly.
• Cut the Pumpkin: Use a sharp knife or pruning shears to cut the pumpkin from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached. This helps with storage.
• Cure the Pumpkins: Cure pumpkins in a warm, dry spot for about a week to toughen the skin and improve storage life.

Pumpkin Plant Care Tips

Watering:

• Water your pumpkins consistently, especially during dry spells. Ensure the soil remains moist but not waterlogged to avoid root problems.

Fertilizing:

• Apply a balanced fertilizer at planting time and again when the vines start to spread. Adding compost to the soil before planting helps improve soil quality and moisture retention.

Pest and Disease Management:

• Watch out for pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids, which are common in Kansas’s climate. Organic methods or integrated pest management can help protect your plants.
• Monitor for powdery mildew and other fungal diseases, especially during humid periods. Ensure good air circulation and avoid overhead watering to reduce disease risks.

Harvesting Pumpkins:

• Harvest pumpkins when they have developed a deep color and the skin is firm. This ensures they are mature and ready for storage.

Smart Tip: Don’t throw away the seeds from the pumpkin after Halloween. Instead, save them and have free pumpkins year after year.