get pumpkins in Minnesota can be a rewarding experience , as the state ’s climate is ideal for producing an abundant craw . Minnesota is site in the Upper Midwest neighborhood of the United States and has a humid continental climate , with cold wintertime and soft summertime .
The recollective growing season and plenteous sunshine during the summertime months make Minnesota an ideal location for growing pumpkin vine . The average last frost date in Minnesota is in May , and planting pumpkins in late May or early June will give them plenty of time to mature .
Popular pumpkin varieties
choose the veracious variety of pumpkins for your purposes and climate is an of import step in growing pumpkin . If you live in a clime with a short growing time of year , you ’ll want to cull a variety that matures in under 100 days . These are some popular pumpkin change and their approximate days to harvest :
Please note that the days to harvest time may vary depending on growing atmospheric condition , so it ’s best to refer to the come packet or confer with a local gardening expert for more specific information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in Minnesota
If you desire to get a head start on your pumpkin crop or live in a region with a shorter growing season , commence yourpumpkin seed indoorscan be a outstanding option . Generally speaking , you should aim to originate your pumpkin seed indoors about 4 - 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors . This timing will give the seedlings time to maturate and develop strong root systems , without becoming too large or base - bind . In Minnesota , you should plant your pumpkin seeds indoors around :
To bulge your pumpkin seeds indoors , you ’ll need to gather some supplies , include seed - start up tray , cum - starting mix , and a raise light or cheery windowsill . Fill the cum - starting trays with the cum - starting mix , and plant one or two pumpkin seeds per cell , planting the seed about 1 in deep .
Place the source trays in a affectionate , lustrous location , and keep the soil consistently moist . Once the seeds have germinated and prepare their first curing of lawful leaves , you’re able to begin to fertilise them with a balanced plant food .
As the seedlings continue to grow , you may need to thin them out to one plant per mobile phone to foreclose overcrowding . It ’s also authoritative to indurate off your seedlings before transplanting them out of doors , gradually exposing them to out-of-door conditions over the track of several days to avoid jolt . With proper care and tending , your indoor - grown pumpkin seedlings will be quick to transfer outdoors and continue their increase into mature , beautiful pumpkins .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedling have grow into sturdy plants and the weather has warmed up , it ’s time to transplant them outdoors . Before transplant , it ’s of import to check that that the stain temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and that there is no longer a risk of frost . The final frost date in Minnesota is :
To cook your garden seam for pumpkin starts , select a sunny location with well - draining soil . Add pile of compost or well - rotted manure to the grease , as pumpkins are grievous birdfeeder and require lot of nutrients to thrive .
When planting your pumpkin starts , make indisputable to space them about 3 - 5 feet aside , depending on the variety . Dig a hollow that is slightly larger than the ascendent ball of the seedling , and locate the seedling into the hole , making sure to bury it up to its first solidification of true leafage . This will further the industrial plant to develop a strong root system and found itself in the soil .
After planting , irrigate your pumpkin starts thoroughly and on a regular basis , making sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged . add a layer of mulch around the plant life can assist retain wet and prevent weeds .
As the pumpkin works persist in to raise , you may want to provide extra support in the contour of trellis or cages to keep the vines from sprawl too far and assume up too much space . With right maintenance and attending , your pumpkin starts will rise into mature plant and produce beautiful , salubrious pumpkin just in time for the harvest time season .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve planted your Cucurbita pepo outside , it ’s of import to provide them with right care . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin plant and have an awing harvest !
When to harvest pumpkins in Minnesota
Pumpkins are typically quick to reap when they have extend to their full size and the vine have started to dry out . Here are some sign that your pumpkins are ready to be clean :
When harvesting pumpkins , it ’s important to apply sharp , clean shears or a tongue to edit the stem about 2 inches ( 5 atomic number 96 ) above the fruit . Avoid pulling or twisting the pumpkin , which can damage the stem and make it more susceptible to rot . After harvest home , store your pumpkins in a cool , ironical place with beneficial air circulation to help them last longer .
