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Planting Instructions for Pumpkin Seeds (All Varieties)
- Location: Choose a sunny location with rich, well-drained soil and plenty of space for vines to spread.
- When to Plant: Sow Todd’s Seeds Pumpkin seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures are at least 70°F. In cooler climates, start seeds indoors 2–4 weeks before the last frost and transplant carefully.
- Soil Prep: Loosen soil 8–12 inches deep and enrich with compost or aged manure. Ideal soil pH is 6.0–6.8.
- Sowing Depth: Plant seeds 1–1.5 inches deep.
- Spacing:
- Bush types: 18–24 inches apart in rows, 4–5 feet apart.
- Vining types: Sow 3–5 seeds per hill, spaced 4–6 feet apart. Thin to the strongest 2–3 plants per hill.
- Watering: Keep soil consistently moist during germination (7–10 days) and throughout growth. Water deeply at the base; avoid wetting leaves.
- Care:
- Mulch to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer when vines start to run, then switch to a phosphorus-rich formula once flowering begins.
- Pollinate by hand if needed to improve fruit set.
- Harvest: Pumpkins are ready when they reach full color, the rind is hard, and the stem begins to dry, typically 90–120 days after planting. Cut from the vine with a few inches of stem and cure in a warm, dry place for 10–14 days before storage.