Pumpkin
Cucurbita maxima
Also known as: jack-o-lantern, pie pumpkin
Large-fruited warm-season vine. Needs lots of space and a long growing season. Great for fall harvest and storage.
Growing Requirements
Planting Schedule
Start Indoors
2–3 weeks before last frost
Direct Sow (Spring)
1–9 weeks after last frost
Transplant Outdoors
1–9 weeks after last frost
Germination
5–10 days
Days to Harvest
90–120 days
Zone Suitability
USDA Hardiness Zones
Zones 3–11
Needs 90+ frost-free days. Very frost sensitive.
Companion Plants
Good Companions (7)
Corn
Zea mays
Three sisters: corn provides windbreak for pumpkin vines
Confidence: High
Pole Bean
Phaseolus vulgaris
Three sisters: beans fix nitrogen for pumpkins
Confidence: High
Nasturtium
Tropaeolum majus
Repels squash bugs and aphids from pumpkin
Confidence: Medium
Marigold
Tagetes spp.
Deters pests and attracts pollinators for fruit set
Confidence: Medium
Sunflower
Helianthus annuus
Attracts pollinators needed for pumpkin fruit set
Confidence: Medium
Radish
Raphanus sativus
May deter squash vine borers planted near pumpkin hills
Confidence: Medium
Borage
Borago officinalis
Attracts pollinators and may deter squash pests
Confidence: Medium