Cucurbita pepo## HOW TO GROW PUMPKIN Start 1–2 indoors weeks before last frost and transplant after first true leaves appears. Start 2 seeds in 4” pulp pots that can be planted directly in the ground, thin to 1-2 plants. Direct sow after last frost or soil 70˚F, seeds will rot in cool wet soil, 5-6 seeds to a hill. Sow pumpkins to mature in September for fall market. Can transplant end of last frost with row cover. Pinch new blossoms midsummer to encourage larger set fruit size. Hard frost damaged fruit will not store well. Harvest before frost or after 1–2 nights of light frost. Clip stems close to vine. Harvest white pumpkins once foliage starts to die back, and place under cover. Direct sunlight causes skin to turn yellow. Soil pH 5.8-7.0. Hardiness zones 4-11.Days from maturity calculated from the date of seeding. Average 176-300 seeds per ounce. Average 14.5M seeds per acre. Federal germination standard: 75%. Usual seed life: 6 years. Isolation distance for seed saving: 1/2 mile.Planting Depth 1/2-1”Soil Temp. Germ. 70-85˚FDays to Germ. 3-10Plant Spacing 18-24”Row Spacing 6’Days To Maturity 105–120Full Sun, Moist Well Drained ##Large, 18–25lb flattened globe shape, 10–13” by 12–15” diameter, bright orange-yellow thin rind with deep golden thick flesh. Good processor, large vines. Excellent for both pies and jack-o-lanterns. Tags: Harvest: Mid, Color: Orange, Specialty: Canner, Season: Summer.
