Can You Plant Pumkin Seeds (2025)

Can

Pumpkins are easy to plant and grow, but they require proper preparation. To start your own pumpkin patch, you need a packet of seeds and plenty of space. Choose a spot with full sun and keep the plants watered all summer long. By the time autumn rolls around, you’ll have plenty of orange pumpkins to eat, carve, or share with friends.

To plant pumpkin seeds, clean the pumpkin thoroughly before removing any pulp or leftover pumpkin from the seeds. If you’re considering sowing seeds from store-bought pumpkins, extract the seeds, rinse them out, and plant them in the soil. Fresh pumpkin seeds saved from homemade puree make a delicious snack. Pumpkins are best grown indoors in mid-spring, but can also be sown a month or so later outdoors. The best time to plant pumpkin seeds is from late May to early July to enjoy them in the fall.

Store-bought seeds can be used for planting, but choose store-bought seeds ready for planting in early summer. Choose a planting site with full sun to light shade and have plenty of room in your garden. Sow pumpkin seeds 1 inch deep in 3-foot wide mounds, planting 3 to 4. Store the seeds for months before planting, and dry them first to prevent mold.

Pumpkins and other vegetables can be planted in spring as soil and air temperatures rise. Start raising small pumpkin plants by sowing seeds about 2 inches deep into rich soil (not dry, hard earth).

Do I Need To Dry Pumpkin Seeds Before Planting?

Pumpkin seeds can technically be planted without drying, but because pumpkins are harvested in the fall and planted in the spring, proper seed storage is key to preventing mold growth. Drying the seeds is essential for successful long-term storage. To plant pumpkins, the optimal time is from late May to early July, ensuring soil temperatures are at least 65°F and air temperatures exceed 55°F. Choose a site with full sun exposure, as pumpkins require six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily.

Plant seeds about one inch deep directly into the ground. After harvesting seeds from a mature pumpkin, remove them immediately and spread on a paper towel in a single layer; leave them to dry overnight. The next day, check for complete dryness and place them in a warm, dry area for about a week. Once fully dry, store seeds in a paper envelope—plastic bags can retain moisture and impact germination. Label the envelope appropriately.

While pumpkin seeds are larger and take longer to dry compared to other seeds, it’s vital to monitor them. Allow seeds to dry for a minimum of 3-4 weeks to prevent mold during storage. Despite concerns over their readiness, as long as seeds are well-watered during planting, they will germinate successfully. Soaking seeds before planting is also traditional and can enhance germination rates by accelerating the process. Overall, proper drying and storage techniques are crucial for growing healthy pumpkins the following year.

What Month Do You Plant Pumpkin Seeds?

For northern gardeners, the ideal time to directly sow pumpkin seeds outdoors is late May, while those in milder climates may begin sowing in June or early July. Generally, traditional field pumpkins should be planted between May 15 and June 15. Starting seeds indoors two weeks prior can foster earlier and larger crops. This planting schedule varies by region; cooler areas benefit from late May planting, while warmer regions can extend sowing to mid-July for Halloween harvests.

It's crucial to plant seedlings or direct sow two to three weeks after the last expected frost date. For instance, in USDA zone 6b, planting occurs around mid to late May. Given that pumpkins thrive in warm weather and are sensitive to frost, gardeners must consider local climates and first fall frost dates when deciding on planting times. Generally, pumpkins are planted from late May through June to ensure maturity by early October, with adjustments for specific varieties.

In warmer areas, it may be advisable to wait until July. For those looking to seed directly, it's best to wait until the soil has warmed, ideally mid-October. For optimal results, ensure thorough soil preparation and consider sowing indoors if late frosts are anticipated.