Growing pumpkin in Wisconsin can be a rewarding experience . The state ’s climate is ideal for bring forth gamey - quality pumpkin because of its coolheaded temperature and abundant rainfall . Wisconsin has a continental climate with raging summers and cold winter , perfect for the summer planting and fall harvest of pumpkin .
The area receives an norm of 32 inch of rainfall annually , which avail to provide the necessary moisture to sustain the Cucurbita pepo as they develop . The average temperature in Wisconsin ranges from 35 - 80 degree Fahrenheit , providing the gross environment for pumpkin increase . Wisconsin ’s climate is also ideal for pumpkin production because there are usually no extreme weather event that can damage the craw .
Popular pumpkin varieties
Selecting the right variety of Cucurbita pepo for your use and climate is an of import step in raise pumpkins . If you live in a mood with a shorter growing season , you ’ll want to pick a change that mature in under 100 days . These are some democratic pumpkin variety and their approximate days to harvest :
Please mark that the days to harvest may depart calculate on growing condition , so it ’s best to refer to the seminal fluid packet or consult with a local horticulture expert for more specific information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in Wisconsin
If you want to get a header start on your pumpkin crop or live in a region with a shorter growing season , start yourpumpkin seed indoorscan be a great option . in general talk , you should target to begin your pumpkin seed indoors about 4 - 6 workweek before you design to transplant them alfresco . This timing will give the seedlings time to mature and rise inviolable theme systems , without becoming too big or stem - reverberate . In Wisconsin , you should plant your pumpkin seeds indoors around :
To go your pumpkin sow indoors , you ’ll need to gather some supplies , including seed - starting trays , seed - starting mix , and a grow twinkle or cheery windowsill . take the seed - starting tray with the seed - starting mix , and plant one or two pumpkin cum per cell , engraft the seeds about 1 inch deep .
position the seed trays in a warm , bright location , and keep the soil consistently moist . Once the seeds have germinated and recrudesce their first solidification of true leaf , you may begin to fecundate them with a balanced plant food .
As the seedlings continue to acquire , you may need to thin them out to one plant per jail cell to forbid overcrowding . It ’s also authoritative to harden off your seedlings before transplanting them out of doors , bit by bit expose them to outdoor conditions over the class of several days to avoid shock . With right tutelage and tending , your indoor - grown pumpkin seedlings will be ready to transplant outdoors and continue their growth into mature , beautiful pumpkin .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have turn into tough plants and the weather has warm up up , it ’s metre to transplant them alfresco . Before transplanting , it ’s important to make certain that the soil temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and that there is no longer a risk of icing . The concluding frost date in Wisconsin is :
To train your garden bed for pumpkin scratch line , choose a sunny fix with well - draining soil . tote up plenty of compost or well - rot manure to the dirt , as pumpkins are sonorous feeders and require lots of nutrients to thrive .
When set your pumpkin starts , verify to space them about 3 - 5 foot apart , depending on the variety . jab a hole that is slimly turgid than the root ball of the seedling , and place the seedling into the hole , making sure to immerse it up to its first set of true leaf . This will encourage the industrial plant to build up a inviolable antecedent system and establish itself in the soil .
After planting , irrigate your pumpkin startle good and regularly , stimulate sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged . contribute a layer of mulch around the plant can help retain moisture and preclude weeds .
As the pumpkin plants extend to grow , you may need to provide extra support in the form of treillage or cage to keep the vines from sprawl too far and taking up too much space . With right care and aid , your pumpkin starting line will grow into mature plant and produce beautiful , healthy pumpkins just in time for the harvest season .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve plant your pumpkins out of doors in Wisconsin , it ’s important to render them with right care . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin works and have an awful harvest !
When to harvest pumpkins in Wisconsin
Pumpkins are typically quick to harvest when they have pass on their full sizing and the vine have start out to dry out . Here are some preindication that your pumpkins are ready to be pick :
When harvest home pumpkins , it ’s important to utilize sharp , fresh shears or a tongue to cut the stem about 2 inches ( 5 centimetre ) above the yield . Avoid deplume or twisting the autumn pumpkin , which can damage the stem and make it more susceptible to molder . After harvesting , store your pumpkin in a cool , dry place with good aura circulation to help them last longer .
