Grow Pumpkins for Food and Fun! Zone 6

Pumpkins are a versatile and fun plant to grow. Known for their vibrant colors, delicious taste, and as a fall holiday symbol.

Native Americans began growing pumpkins over 7000 years ago along with a variety of other winter squashes in the Cucurbita family.

Whether you are looking to grow them for Halloween carving, decorative purposes, or culinary delights, this guide will provide you with all the necessary information to successfully cultivate pumpkins in your garden.

Choosing the Right Varieties

When selecting pumpkin varieties to grow, consider factors such as your available space, and intended use. Pumpkins come in a variety of sizes and some take up quite a bit of room.

Decoration

Black Bear

Matures to a dark green almost black color. There is also an orange Baby Bear. Small weighing 1 - 1.5 lbs a unique pumpkin for autumn decorations. Good yields. 80 days to maturity. F1 Hybrid.

Jill-Be-Little

This mini pumpkin will fit on a windowsill or shelf for fall decorations. Only 1/2 pound with an orange color. 100 days. Open Pollinated.

Jack O Lantern

Moonshine

I was raised in Kentucky so obviously I love this pumpkin! Creamy white color. Great medium-sized Jack O Lantern averaging 8–12 lb. 100 Days. F1 Hybrid.

Connecticut Field

Classic Jack O Lantern. Very old heirloom grown by Native Americans and recorded by colonists in the late 1600s. A large pumpkin averaging 15–25 lb. 115 Days. Open Pollinated.

Howden

This is the standard grown by many farmers. Bright orange and large size. 20–35 lb. 115 days. Open Pollinated.

Culinary

Rouge Vif D'Etampes

Known as the French pumpkin and is considered by chefs to be the best-cooking pumpkin. In America, we often call it Cinderella. In French Rouge vif means vivid red. It’s a bright orange with a flattened shape that weighs an average of 10–15 lb. Great for pumpkin pie. 115 Days. Open Pollinated.

New England Pie

This is the classic pie pumpkin and my favorite for cooking. Has fewer strings and dry flesh which makes it ideal for baking. Weighs 4–6 lb. 105 Days. Open Pollinated.

Check out my book on growing veggies in Zone 6!!

Site Selection and Soil Preparation

Pumpkins require plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil. Select a site with at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day.

The soil should be rich in organic matter and have a slightly acidic to neutral pH of 5.8–6.8. Prepare the soil by incorporating compost or well-rotted manure to improve its fertility and structure.

Planting

Plant pumpkin seeds or seedlings directly into the garden two weeks after the last frost date in your area. Soil temperature should be between 65° and 95°F (18° to 35°C).

Timing

Timing is important when you plant jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. If they mature and are sitting they will begin to deteriorate. So watch your days to maturity.

Seeding Indoors

Because pumpkins have a long growing season they are often started indoors. I start them in 4-inch pots or 24 trays. They grow quickly and need plenty of room.

Germinate at 75-95°F (24-35°C).

Spacing

Pumpkins need a lot of space to grow. The vining types like to explore! As a general rule, space the plants 3-5 feet apart in rows that are 6-8 feet apart.

• Giants - 1,000 square feet per plant

• Jack O Lanterns - 50 to 100 square feet for regular-size varieties

• Miniatures - 15 to 36 square feet

Trellis

Small pumpkins can be trellised. This is recommended if you do square-foot gardening. Plant the seeds two feet apart and train up.

Make sure you design a sturdy trellis made from welded wire fencing. Sections of cattle panels work great as trellising. They come in lengths 16 feet long and I would cut them (with large wire cutters) into 4-foot sections. Then mount them to metal or wood fence posts.

Hills

One way to save space with pumpkins is to plant them in hills. Mound up the soil so it is 4 inches high and a diameter of 18 inches. Place 3 seeds about three inches from the outside edge and sow them one inch deep. Place hills 4 - 6 feet apart.

Water Well

Smaller pumpkins will fit in nicely in a Three Sisters Native American garden.

Care and Maintenance

• Watering: Pumpkins need consistent moisture, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages. Water deeply once a week, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged.

• Fertilization: Apply fish emulsion as a foliar feed when the vines begin to develop and again when the fruits start to form. compost tea works well for pumpkins and if your soil is low in nitrogen side dress with some alfalfa meal.

• Weed Control: Keep the area around the plants free from weeds to reduce competition for nutrients and water.

• Pest and Disease Management: Monitor for pests such as squash bugs and cucumber beetles and promptly address any infestations. Additionally, practice good air circulation to prevent fungal diseases.

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Pollination

Pumpkin plants have separate male and female flowers, and they rely on insects, particularly bees, for pollination. To encourage pollination, avoid using insecticides that may harm beneficial pollinators. If necessary, hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from the male flowers to the female flowers using a small brush or cotton swab.

Harvesting

Pumpkins are ready for harvest when the rinds have reached the desired color and the skin is tough. The stem connecting the pumpkin to the vine should be dry and corky. Use a sharp knife to cut the pumpkin from the vine, leaving a few inches of stem attached.

An “old timers trick is to thump the pumpkin with a finger. The rind should feel firm and sound hollow. Handle pumpkins carefully to avoid bruising or damaging the skin. Don’t carry pumpkins by their stems.

Cure pumpkins in the field or a protected sunny spot for about 10 days. Ideally, the temperature should be between 80º to 85º F.

Storage

Store harvested pumpkins in a cool, dry place with good air circulation. Ideal in a root cellar or basement area with a temperature of 50-55°F and humidity of 50-70%. With proper storage, pumpkins can last for several months.

Ways to use pumpkin

Pumpkin Soup:

A warm and comforting soup with the rich, earthy flavor of pumpkin.

Roasted Pumpkin Seeds:

Don't discard those seeds! Roast them with your favorite seasonings for a crunchy snack.

Pumpkin Risotto:

Elevate your risotto by adding chunks of cooked pumpkin for a creamy and savory twist.

Pumpkin Pancakes:

Add pureed pumpkin to your pancake batter for a fall-flavored breakfast treat.

Pumpkin Hummus:

Blend pumpkin puree with chickpeas, garlic, and tahini for a unique spin on traditional hummus.

Pumpkin Curry:

Incorporate pumpkin chunks into a flavorful curry for a hearty and nutritious meal.

Pumpkin Pasta Sauce:

Make a velvety pasta sauce by blending pumpkin puree with tomatoes, herbs, and spices.

Pumpkin Smoothie:

Combine pumpkin puree with yogurt, banana, and a dash of cinnamon for a tasty and healthy smoothie.

Pumpkin Muffins:

Bake moist and spiced pumpkin muffins for a delightful snack or breakfast option.

Pumpkin Chili:

Add diced pumpkin to your favorite chili recipe for a sweet and savory twist.

Pumpkin Ice Cream:

Make a homemade pumpkin-flavored ice cream for a chilly, autumn-inspired treat.

Pumpkin and Sage Ravioli:

Create your own pumpkin-filled pasta with a sage-infused butter sauce.

Pumpkin Bread Pudding:

Transform day-old bread into a delicious dessert by incorporating pumpkin and spices.

Pumpkin and Goat Cheese Salad:

Combine roasted pumpkin chunks with fresh greens, goat cheese, and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Pumpkin Chutney:

Cook up a sweet and tangy chutney using pumpkin, spices, and vinegar to accompany your meals.