Illinois earns the top rank for several reasons. Pumpkins grow well in its climate and in certain soil types. And in the 1920s, a pumpkin processing industry was established in Illinois, Babadoost says. Decades of experience and dedicated research help Illinois maintain its edge in pumpkin production.
Is Illinois known for pumpkins?
Every year, USDA surveys top pumpkin-producing States and publishes the data the following year. In 2021, Illinois maintained its leading position in pumpkin acreage, harvesting more than twice as many pumpkin acres as any of the other top States, at 15,900 acres.
What state is the best for growing pumpkins?
According to the Agricultural Marketing Resource Center (AgMRC), the top 6 states for growing pumpkins in the U.S. are Illinois, Michigan, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and California.
Where do pumpkins grow in Illinois?
The top ten pumpkin producing counties in Illinois are Tazewell, Kankakee, Mason, Logan, Will, Marshall, Kane, Pike, Carroll and Woodford. Pumpkins are grown primarily for processing with a small percentage grown for ornamental sales through you-pick farms, farmers’ market and retail sales.
Why does Illinois grow the most pumpkins?
Illinois earns the top rank for several reasons. Pumpkins grow well in its climate and in certain soil types. And in the 1920s, a pumpkin processing industry was established in Illinois, Babadoost says. Decades of experience and dedicated research help Illinois maintain its edge in pumpkin production.
What crop is Illinois famous for?
Illinois is a leading producer of soybeans, corn and swine. The state’s climate and varied soil types enable farmers to grow and raise many other agricultural commodities, including cattle, wheat, oats, sorghum, hay, sheep, poultry, fruits and vegetables.
What is the pumpkin capital of the world?
Morton
As the ideal place for Autumn tourism and visitors, Morton is known as the Pumpkin Capital of the World because 85% of the world’s canned pumpkin is packed in the Nestles/Libby’s plant located in the center of our Village.
How much pumpkin does Illinois produce?
On average, Illinois grows about 40,000 pounds per acre (predominantly for processing), California and Texas grow about 30,000 pounds per acre, and Indiana, Michigan, and Virginia grow about 20,000 pounds per acre.
What climate does pumpkin grow in?
Pumpkins are very sensitive to cold temperatures (below 50°F) and plants and fruit will exhibit injury from even a slight frost. The best average temperature range for pumpkin production during the growing season is between 65 and 95°F; temperatures above 95°F or below 50°F slow growth and maturity of the crop.
Where are pumpkins grown naturally?
Native to North America (northeastern Mexico and the southern United States), pumpkins are one of the oldest domesticated plants, having been used as early as 7,000 to 5,500 BC. Pumpkins are widely grown for food, as well as for aesthetic and recreational purposes.
Who grows the most pumpkins in the world?
China
One country holds the crown of “Pumpkin King”: China. China produces over 9 million tons worldwide per year. India comes in 2nd place, with 5 million tons, and Ukraine takes the 3rd ranking for producing a million tons annually. Together, China and India grow more than 60% of the world’s pumpkins.
Where America’s pumpkins come from?
Illinois is the largest producer; about 90% of processed pumpkins in the U.S. come from the state. While production varies, Illinois is seven times the average of other pumpkin-producing states. You can thank Libby’s for putting Illinois on top.
Why is Illinois good for farming?
Illinois has good soil and a favorable climate, among other factors, making the state a top grower of several specialty crops as well. Many people don’t realize that foods like pumpkins, peaches, apples, grapes, horseradish and melons are grown on Illinois farmland.
What is the number 1 crop in Illinois?
soybean
Grain Production Facts
Illinois is the #1 soybean producing state in the country. 15% of all U.S. soybeans are produced in Illinois. Illinois is the #2 corn producing state in the country. 13% of our country’s supply of corn is grown on Illinois farms.
What is Illinois known best for?
Illinois is a great place to travel, with so much to see and do. It is known for its abolition of slavery, its role in the Underground Railroad, and its contributions to the American automotive industry. Illinois is also home to the first McDonald’s, Route 66, and the world’s largest catsup bottle.
Which state has the biggest pumpkin?
11, 2022 Updated: Oct. 11, 2022 10:45 a.m. It’s pumpkin season and the United States has recorded its heaviest one ever. A 2,560-pound pumpkin that rolled into a fair in California was crowned the heaviest pumpkin in U.S. history on Monday, according to the Associated Press.
Where is the largest pumpkin in the US?
Oct. 5, 2022 9:41 a.m. In this photo provided by The Great Pumpkin Farm, Emmett Andrusz, from left, Steve Andrusz and Scott Andrusz, pose with the record-setting 2,554-pound pumpkin in Clarence, N.Y., on Saturday. A 2,554-pound pumpkin grown in upstate New York has set a new U.S. record for the heaviest.
Where is the largest pumpkin in US grown?
Travis Gienger in 2022 from Anoka, Minnesota beat his old pumpkin state record of 2350 pounds with a mammoth 2560-pound pumpkin. He is currently the heaviest pumpkin grown in the USA.
What state sells the most pumpkins?
Illinois produced the most pumpkins in the United States in 2021 followed by Indiana, California, Texas and Michigan. Illinois produced 651.9 million pounds of pumpkins in 2021, accounting for 39% of all the pumpkins produced in the U.S.
Can pumpkins grow in extreme heat?
Pumpkins can tolerate short bouts of hot weather well, according to the University of Illinois Extension. The sun, while vital to a pumpkin’s growth, can damage a pumpkin plant. Leaves may wilt in temperatures warmer than the mid-80s.
Why do pumpkins need to be planted in hills?
Pumpkins are planted in “hills” to allow the soil to warm more quickly, while encouraging the seeds to germinate faster. These round hills are the perfect size for planting the pumpkin seeds. Once all the hills are done, flakes of salt hay are spread out all around the bed.