When to Plant Pumpkins in Pennsylvania

Best Planting Times for Pumpkins in Pennsylvania

Planting Method	Activity	Recommended Dates
Indoor Planting	Start Seeds Indoors	April 15 – May 15
Outdoor Planting	Transplant Outdoors	May 15 – June 15
Direct Sowing	Direct Sow Outdoors	May 15 – June 15

Planting Conditions

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

Pennsylvania’s climate ranges from humid continental in the northern and western regions to humid subtropical in the southeast. The state is in USDA Hardiness Zones 5a to 7a. Southern and southeastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, typically has a longer growing season, while the higher elevations and northern areas may start planting later due to cooler temperatures.

Start pumpkin seeds indoors from mid-April to mid-May to give your plants a strong 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 mid-May to mid-June.

Average Last Frost Dates for Pennsylvania’s Largest Cities

City	Average Last Frost Date
Philadelphia	April 10
Pittsburgh	May 1
Allentown	April 20
Erie	May 5
Reading	April 20
Scranton	May 5
Bethlehem	April 20
Lancaster	April 20
Harrisburg	April 20
York	April 20

Average First Frost Dates for Pennsylvania’s Largest Cities

City	Average First Frost Date
Philadelphia	November 5
Pittsburgh	October 20
Allentown	October 15
Erie	October 20
Reading	October 15
Scranton	October 10
Bethlehem	October 15
Lancaster	October 15
Harrisburg	October 15
York	October 15

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 Pennsylvania, where the climate includes cold winters and moderate summers, 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 Pennsylvania:

• Kale Planting in Pennsylvania
• Broccoli Planting in Pennsylvania
• Tomato Planting in Pennsylvania

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

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Timing the Harvest for Halloween

In Pennsylvania, planting pumpkins between mid-May and mid-June will ensure they are ready for Halloween. Pumpkins typically take 90 to 120 days to mature, depending on the variety. Planting by mid-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.

The importance of good soil

Before starting to grow it is important to take a step back and find the condition of the soil in your garden. The optimal soil is a blend that includes the mineral-rich dirt along with organic-rich organic matter that plants need to thrive.

In my garden I try to compost as much as possible, so I can mix in the nutrient-rich compost in my soil. I use both hot composting of food scraps and cold composting of all organic garden “waste”.
If you don’t have the time or space for composting, it is possible to get compost ready to use in garden centers and Community Composting.
You can read more on Community Composting here: https://www.epa.gov/sustainable-management-food/community-composting

If you are uncertain of the quality of your soil, you can get easy to use soil tests at amazon for 17 dollars. Check latest prices here: Soil testing kit.

Also remember to check out how much sunlight your growing area gets, and that the rain drains well. If you treat your soil well and plan your crops according to your climate you will succeed with any plant you want.

The satisfaction when you harvest your own produce is well worth the time you put in 🙂

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 Pennsylvania’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.