Sowing Indoors-Start seeds 3-4 weeks prior to your last frost date in 3 inch peat pots and carefully transplant outside after the danger of frost has passed. Make sure not to disturb the root system when transplanting.
Sowing Outdoors-Direct sow in well drained soil, after the danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures have reached at least 60°F.
Growing Tips-Pumpkins bear separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Research indicates that a female flower needs to be visited 8-10 times by a pollinator for adequate pollination. Plant bee attracting flowers, such as borage or cosmos, next to pumpkins to help generate higher yields.
Fertilization Tips-Pumpkins prefer a pH of 5.5-6.8. Apply 1/2 cup of a blended organic fertilizer at the time of planting and again at the 4-6 leaf stage.
Seed Specs-Approximately 3-15 seeds per gram. Minimum germination standard: 80%. Usual seed life: 3 years.
Seed Saving Tips-All squash are insect pollinated. All squash including pumpkins, are members of one of the following species: C. pepo, C. maxima, C. moschata, C. mixta, C. ficifolia, and C. foetidissima. Different varieties within each species will cross easily. For seed saving purposes, assume that crossing does not occur between different species. For commercial production, seed companies assume they will cross, primarily because it's not always possible to confirm to which of the species a particular cultivar belongs. Isolation of 1/2 mile ensures seed purity.

Seed Depth	Soil Temp. for Germ.	Days to Germination	Light Requirements	Thin Plants to
1 1/2-2"	65-80°F	5-10	Full Sun	60-96"