Discover When to Plant Pumpkins So They’re Ready for Halloween

Autumn is a time for festivities, rich colors, delicious food, and, of course, pumpkins! While visiting a local farmers market or pumpkin patch is a fun fall pastime, there is something extra rewarding about planting your own Halloween pumpkin. These bright orange fruits are very easy to grow, and they don’t need a lot of room. Additionally, growing pumpkins is a great introduction to gardening for both adults and children. Check out this guide on when to plant pumpkins so they’re ready for Halloween, including the best varieties and the absolute latest time you can plant pumpkin seeds.

When to Plant Pumpkins for Halloween

When to plant pumpkins largely depends on your location. Those in northern locations will want to wait to plant their seeds until after the last frost of the year, typically in late May. Because pumpkins mature faster in warmer regions, southern gardeners wait to plant until June or early July. Your pumpkins may rot by Halloween if you plant them too early! And there is no such thing as a winter variety pumpkin, so you can’t plant them in late summer or fall.

The best time to plant pumpkins in northern regions: Late May

The best time to plant pumpkins in southern regions: June to early July 

How Long Does It Take for a Pumpkin to Mature?

Depending on the variety, pumpkins mature within 90 to 120 days, on average. Some may be ready within 75 days, while larger varieties may need more time. For instance, if you live in a warmer climate and plant your pumpkins in early July, they should be ready by early to mid-October. A ripe pumpkin will be colorful, feature a brown stem, and emit a hollow sound when you thump it. Most pumpkin varieties can be left on the vine up until the first frost, after which the vine will likely die.

Is August Too Late to Plant Pumpkins for Halloween? When is the Latest Time to Plant?

Unfortunately, August is too late to plant pumpkins. Not only is it too late for Halloween, but the plant will likely die before it’s ripe. Pumpkins are not cold-tolerant and need warmer temperatures to grow.

Growers in northern regions have a small planting window for pumpkins. You must wait until after the first frost, but no later than late May if you want them ready by Halloween or the first frost of the season.

Southern states have more wriggle room. The warm climate allows you to wait until mid-summer, but no later than mid-July. However, some states, like Florida and Southern California, can plant pumpkins up until early August. But planting this late will produce a crop for late November.

When Can You Harvest Pumpkins? 

Most pumpkins planted for the fall season can be harvested in September and October. But you can also leave them on the vine until the first autumn frost, at which point the vine will likely die, and you can pick the pumpkins. 

The exact time a pumpkin can be harvested depends on your region, the pumpkin variety, and when you planted the seeds. Often, the seed packet can give you a more tailored time frame for harvesting.

What Are the Best Pumpkins to Grow for Halloween?

But if you’re looking for the best pumpkin variety for making Jack o’lanterns, check out these carving pumpkins!

• Autumn Gold
• Atlantic Giant
• Howden Field
• Gladiator
• Fairytale

How Far Ahead Should You Carve a Pumpkin for Halloween?

Now that you’ve put all that hard work into growing your own pumpkins, you may be wondering about the optimal carving time. When you leave pumpkins intact, they can last for several weeks, even up to two months before rotting. But they can rot much sooner after you hollow them out and carve them. 

Many suggest leaving your whole pumpkins inside to prevent them from succumbing to vandalism or curious animals and carving them no more than two or three days before Halloween. This time frame ensures they will survive up until the festivities and won’t scare away trick-or-treaters with their rotten teeth!

What Can You Do with Fresh Pumpkin?

If you planted more pumpkins than you can carve, sell, or give away, you may be left with loads of fresh squash. Thankfully, pumpkins are good for more than just glowing Jack o’lanterns. 

Here are a few ideas you can use fresh pumpkins for:

• Make homemade pumpkin pie!
• Make squash soup and ladle it into pumpkin bowls
• Chop into chunks and roast them in a pan with a little salt and olive oil
• Make homemade pumpkin puree
• Make pastas, stews, salads, potatoes, and gratin
• Bake them into breads, cakes, muffins, pancakes, or waffles