Growing autumn pumpkin in hardiness zone 7 can be a rewarding experience . With the right cognition and preparation , you may enjoy a freehanded harvest of beautiful , delightful pumpkins .
From the traditional Jack - type O - Lantern to alien heirloom varieties , there are many options when it come to raise pumpkins in geographical zone 7 . With the correct soil , water , and temperature , you may easily enjoy a successful pumpkin harvesting .
Popular pumpkin varieties
pick out the right potpourri of pumpkins for your purposes and clime is an of import step in growing pumpkin vine . If you hold out in a mood with a short growing time of year , you ’ll want to pick a variety that senesce in under 100 days . These are some popular pumpkin assortment and their approximate days to harvest :
Please note that the days to harvest may diverge depending on grow conditions , so it ’s good to refer to the seed packet or consult with a local horticulture expert for more specific selective information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in zone 7
If you need to get a head commence on your pumpkin harvest or live in a neighborhood with a short growing season , jump yourpumpkin seeds indoorscan be a not bad selection . Generally speaking , you should aim to start your Cucurbita pepo seeds indoors about 4 - 6 calendar week before you plan to transplant them outdoors . This timing will give the seedling time to mature and develop strong root systems , without becoming too large or rootage - bound . In zone 7 , you should plant your autumn pumpkin seeds indoors around February 20th .
To take off your pumpkin seeds indoors , you ’ll need to gather some supplies , let in seed - bug out trays , seed - starting commixture , and a grow light or sunny windowsill . fulfill the seed - starting trays with the seed - start mix , and plant one or two pumpkin ejaculate per jail cell , planting the seeds about 1 column inch deep .
pose the seed tray in a warm , bright emplacement , and keep the grease consistently moist . Once the seeds have germinate and develop their first set of true leaf , you’re able to begin to fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer .
As the seedlings continue to grow , you may postulate to slim down them out to one plant per cellphone to keep overcrowding . It ’s also important to indurate off your seedling before transplanting them out of doors , gradually queer them to outside condition over the trend of several days to ward off shock . With proper care and attention , your indoor - raise pumpkin seedling will be quick to transplant outdoors and continue their growth into mature , beautiful pumpkin .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have grown into sturdy plants and the conditions has warm up , it ’s time to transplant them outdoors . Before transplanting , it ’s of import to check that that the grime temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and that there is no longer a risk of frost . The last icing engagement in zone 7 is April 3rd .
To prepare your garden bed for pumpkin vine starts , choose a sunny location with well - draining soil . sum plenteousness of compost or well - moulder manure to the soil , as pumpkins are heavy feeders and require lots of nutrients to thrive .
When engraft your pumpkin starts , ensure to space them about 3 - 5 feet aside , depending on the variety . Dig a hole that is slightly larger than the root ballock of the seedling , and set the seedling into the hole , ensure to bury it up to its first set of lawful leaves . This will further the plant to grow a impregnable root system and lay down itself in the soil .
After planting , irrigate your pumpkin start thoroughly and regularly , making certain to keep the grunge consistently moist but not waterlogged . impart a bed of mulch around the plants can help retain moisture and preclude weeds .
As the pumpkin flora continue to produce , you may need to supply additional support in the form of trellis or cages to keep the vines from sprawling too far and taking up too much space . With right care and attention , your pumpkin commencement will develop into mature plant and produce beautiful , healthy autumn pumpkin just in time for the crop season .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve engraft your pumpkins alfresco , it ’s important to provide them with proper care . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin plants and have an amazing harvest !
When to harvest pumpkins in zone 7
pumpkin vine are typically ready to reap when they have reach their full size of it and the vines have started to dry out out . Here are some signs that your pumpkin are ready to be picked :
When harvesting pumpkins , it ’s important to use sharp , sporty shears or a knife to reduce the radical about 2 inches ( 5 centimeter ) above the fruit . quash rive or twisting the Cucurbita pepo , which can damage the root word and make it more susceptible to moulder . After harvest home , store your autumn pumpkin in a cool , teetotal place with secure air circulation to serve them last longer .
