Pumpkins

Q. I have a package of field pumpkin seeds but no planting instructions. We're in Houston TX so it is already pretty warm. We'd like to harvest by Halloween. Is it too late?

A. No go for it right now. You can directly sow your pumpkin seed into the garden in most areas [Northern areas the seeds need to be started indoors for a full season and to reach a huge size]. You need about 120 days for most varieties of pumpkins.

Giant pumpkins and other giant varieties require 130 to 150 days. People with short growing seasons or growers pursuing 'the big one' will need to get a jump start on the season by planting indoors. In addition if you are growing Atlantic Giants Big Macs Prize Winner Hybrids or other giant pumpkins the seed coat is quite hard and thick. It makes germination a little more tricky.

File the edges of the seed lightly with a nail file. File all edges except the pointed end. This allows moisture into the seed easier. Most importantly filing your seeds makes it easier for the leaves to emerge from the shell without damage. The shell of giant pumpkin seeds are very thick and the leaves sometimes have difficulty splitting open the shell. To avoid pinched or damaged primary leaves we recommend filing the edges of the seeds for all giant pumpkins. As a matter of fact it will aid germination and seedling emergence for any hard shelled pumpkin seed or other seeds. Soak the seeds in warm (not hot) water for an hour or two.

Place the seed on its side. Add 1 to 1 1/2 inches soil to cover. Water thoroughly.

In 4-6 days the seedling will emerge from the soil. Healthy plants will all but explode from the soil growing at a fast pace even as a seedling. Coating the seeds with a fungicide will offer protection against mold and fungus growth.

The newborn pumpkin seedling immediately needs light as much and as direct as possible. First the sun is not up as long in the spring as it is in the summer. Second there are many rainy spring days with little or no direct sun.

Provide water to the pumpkin every couple of days. You do not and should not soak the soil each day. Overly wet soil is one of the basic ingredients for damping off disease. Let the soil dry out a little on the top first then water thoroughly.

The seedling does not need a lot of extra nutrients in the first few days of its life. The seed has some stored inside of it. After several days add a little liquid fertilizer to the water but you do not need to give it full strength.