Growing Cucurbita pepo in hardiness zone 12 is an exciting and rewarding experience . With the right knowledge and dedication , gardeners in this part of the world can successfully grow autumn pumpkin of all anatomy and sizes .
In the long and warm growing time of year , gardener of zona 12 can relish a bounty of pumpkin from August to October .
With the right soil , Dominicus , and urine , nurseryman can have the opportunity to grow a variety of autumn pumpkin , from traditional jackstones - o - lantern to the more exotic varieties like Fairytale pumpkins .
Popular pumpkin varieties
Selecting the right variety of pumpkins for your intention and climate is an important step in develop pumpkins . If you live in a mood with a shorter growing season , you ’ll desire to nibble a variety that matures in under 100 days . These are some popular pumpkin varieties and their approximate days to glean :
Please note that the 24-hour interval to harvest may motley depending on growing condition , so it ’s best to mention to the seed parcel or consult with a local gardening expert for more specific information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in zone 12
If you require to get a head go on your pumpkin crop or live in a realm with a inadequate mature season , get yourpumpkin seeds indoorscan be a great option . Generally speaking , you should aim to start your pumpkin vine seeds indoors about 4 - 6 week before you plan to transfer them outdoors . This timing will give the seedlings time to mature and develop substantial root system , without becoming too enceinte or antecedent - bound . There is n’t a icing date in zone 12 , allow you to sow seeds directly into the soil when it reaches about 60 degrees Fahrenheit .
To get going your pumpkin vine seed indoors , you ’ll need to cumulate some supplying , including seminal fluid - starting tray , seed - start mix , and a grow light or gay windowsill . meet the seed - part tray with the cum - starting commixture , and plant one or two pumpkin seed per cellular telephone , plant the seeds about 1 inch deep .
Place the seed tray in a lovesome , brilliant location , and keep the filth consistently moist . Once the seeds have germinated and developed their first set of truthful leave , you’re able to begin to fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer .
As the seedling continue to grow , you may require to thin them out to one plant per cell to prevent overcrowding . It ’s also significant to indurate off your seedling before transplanting them outside , bit by bit expose them to out-of-door conditions over the course of several daylight to avoid electrical shock . With proper care and attention , your indoor - grow pumpkin seedlings will be ready to transplant outdoors and keep their growth into matured , beautiful Cucurbita pepo .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have mature into sturdy plants and the weather has warmed up , it ’s time to transplant them outside . Before transplantation , it ’s important to make trusted that the soil temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and that there is no longer a danger of frost . Zone 12 does not have a last frost date , so you could seed seeds outdoors when the ground is about 60 arcdegree Fahrenheit .
To prepare your garden layer for pumpkin start , select a sunny location with well - debilitate soil . supply plenty of compost or well - rot manure to the territory , as pumpkins are hard feeder and require dozens of nutrients to flourish .
When institute your pumpkin vine bug out , ensure to space them about 3 - 5 feet aside , depending on the variety . Dig a mess that is slightly larger than the base musket ball of the seedling , and site the seedling into the jam , making sure to bury it up to its first set of dead on target leaves . This will encourage the plant to develop a strong tooth root system and establish itself in the dirt .
After planting , irrigate your pumpkin starts thoroughly and on a regular basis , making sure to keep the dirt consistently moist but not waterlogged . add a layer of mulch around the plants can help keep moisture and prevent weeds .
As the autumn pumpkin plant continue to grow , you may need to leave extra support in the variety of trellises or cages to keep the vines from sprawl too far and taking up too much blank space . With proper care and attention , your pumpkin starts will grow into matured plants and grow beautiful , healthy pumpkin vine just in time for the harvest time of year .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve planted your pumpkins outdoors , it ’s of import to provide them with proper care . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin plants and have an awing crop !
When to harvest pumpkins in zone 12
Pumpkins are typically ready to harvest when they have reached their full size and the vines have started to dry out . Here are some augury that your autumn pumpkin are quick to be picked :
When harvesting pumpkins , it ’s of import to utilize knifelike , clean shears or a tongue to cut the stem about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) above the yield . forfend pulling or twisting the pumpkin , which can damage the stem and make it more susceptible to molder . After harvesting , store your Cucurbita pepo in a cool , dry place with good melody circulation to help them last longer .
