Pumpkins aren’t the first plant most indoor gardeners think of, but it’s possible to grow them indoors. Choosing the right variety is key as pumpkins can grow very large. With a little bit of work though, growing pumpkins indoors is certainly possible.
How do you start a pumpkin indoors?
When planting pumpkin seeds—indoors or out—place seeds into soil one-half to 1 inch deep with the pointed end facing down. Indoors, place seed-starting pots under artificial lights or in a bright south-facing window. Pumpkin seeds germinate best in soil that’s 80 to 85 degrees.
Can you grow pumpkins in pots?
You can also plant pumpkins in growing bags or large containers (at least 45cm/18in wide), but bear in mind that they’ll need regular and generous watering. Plant one or two per growing bag, or one per container. Pumpkins need plenty of water. To make watering easier, sink a 15cm (6in) pot alongside each plant.
Can I grow mini pumpkins indoors?
You can pretty much grow any type or size of pumpkin at home, but depending on how much indoor space you have available, you should probably opt for smaller pumpkins like a Mini-Jack. Choose the right pot. The bigger the pumpkin, the bigger the pot.
Does pumpkin need a lot of sunlight?
Pumpkins require at least eight hours of direct sun each day, so choose a sunny spot in your garden accordingly. Plant your pumpkin seeds in mounds and place four to five seeds in each hole, one to one and a half inches deep, spacing the mounds about four to six feet apart.
Should I start pumpkins indoors?
Pumpkins do best in soil that is slightly acid or nearly neutral. If you live in a part of the country where there is still danger of frost in late April or early May, start pumpkin seeds indoors about two weeks before planting. Sow one seed for every four-inch peat pot filled with grow mix.
Can I plant pumpkin seeds from a store bought pumpkin?
The best time to plant pumpkin seeds is from late May to early July, so you can enjoy them in the fall. You can choose store-bought seeds that are ready for planting or collect the seeds from a pumpkin you just carved—it’s a pretty easy task.
How deep do pumpkin roots go?
A strong taproot will grow as deep as two to three feet. As this happens, the vines spread and the leaves develop. These roots, though shallow, will collect moisture, air and food for the plant. The blossoms (yellow flowers) will start to appear after about three weeks of growth.
Can you grow pumpkins in a small space?
Give Pumpkins Enough Sun and Space
Make sure you have anywhere from 5 to 20 square feet (depending on variety) to allow the plants to vine out. For smaller varieties, it is possible to train them onto a trellis, which can help maximize your growing space.
How many pumpkins can one plant produce?
So how many pumpkins can a single plant produce? A single pumpkin plant can produce between two and five pumpkins. Miniature pumpkin varieties such as Jack B. Little (also known as JBL) can produce as many as twelve pumpkins.
How do you grow pumpkins in the winter?
Create pumpkin hills, mounds of compost and soil that are raised above the level of the rest of the ground. Plant 3-5 seeds per hill to a depth of 1 inch. Cover these hills with a floating row cover or a plastic cloche to warm the ground and protect emerging seedlings from those last days of frost.
How much room does a pumpkin plant need?
Space pumpkin plants 2 to 5 feet apart (depending on the variety). Grow each pumpkin on a 3-foot wide mound of warm, fertile soil that has a pH of 6.0 to 6.8.
Can I grow pumpkins in a 5 gallon bucket?
A container with a capacity of at least 5 gallons is best for sugar pie pumpkins. Even though the pumpkins are small, the prolific vines will soon overtake a small container. Drill or poke a drainage hole in the bottom of the bucket because vegetable plants rot quickly in muddy, soggy soil.
Do pumpkins need lots of water?
Mature pumpkins are 80 to 90 percent water, so you can bet that pumpkins need a lot of water as they grow. Irrigate plants when soil is dry. It’s typical for pumpkin leaves to wilt at high noon, but if plants are wilted in the early morning, that’s a sign you need to water.
How often should pumpkins be watered?
Pumpkins are Thirsty
You’ll need to water them once a week, with about one inch of water. Pumpkin plants are considered thirsty plants when it comes to fruits and vegetables, but make sure not to over-water them (an inch, once a week, is perfect).
Where do pumpkins grow best?
Pumpkins will thrive in a warm, sunny spot that has fertile, well-drained soil. Prepare your garden by adding lots of organic material, doing a quick soil test and following a good crop rotation plan.
Can you grow pumpkins indoors in winter?
Pumpkins aren’t the first plant most indoor gardeners think of, but it’s possible to grow them indoors. Choosing the right variety is key as pumpkins can grow very large. With a little bit of work though, growing pumpkins indoors is certainly possible.
How late can you plant pumpkins?
Plant pumpkins for Halloween from late May in northern locations to early July in extremely southern sites. If pumpkins are planted too early, they may soften and rot before Halloween.
What time of year do you plant pumpkins?
“The best time of year to plant pumpkins is from early May through June, but it also depends on the variety to be grown,” Wallace said. “Some varieties mature in 85 days while others may not mature for 120 days. So those with 120 days to harvest should be planted early.”
How many pumpkin seeds does it take to grow a pumpkin?
Plant two to four pumpkin seeds 1 inch (2.5 cm.) deep in the soil. Water the pumpkin seeds just enough so that the soil is moist but not swamped.
Will pumpkins grow from old pumpkins?
Ignore the pumpkins now and, come mid-spring, the pumpkin seeds will sprout — they’ll know the perfect time — and you’ll have pumpkins growing next summer. Pumpkin vines that hatch from tossed-out pumpkins do better than any pumpkin I’ve carefully planted from seed, watered and nurtured.