SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Jack-O'-Lantern

Pumpkin
Zone 13b Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Jack-O'-Lantern to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Jack-O'-Lantern
95d to harvest

Sink your senses into Jack-O’-Lantern’s luminous, lantern-bright fruit—an unmistakable warm orange glow that seems to radiate from the garden. The flesh is thick and velvety, with a pleasantly sweet, mellow flavor and a sturdy, roast-ready texture that holds its shape beautifully. Grow it for standout centerpiece pumpkins, plus dependable performance for hearty autumn favorites like roasting, purees, and spiced preserves.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 65°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best carving quality and fewer vine stress issues, prioritize direct sow or transplant only when soil is reliably warm and nights stay mild, then keep plants evenly watered to avoid rind cracking.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 13b supports continuous outdoor production.
MilestoneDate
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Growing ApproachContinuous Production

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity95
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitVine
Support NeededTrellis
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)70
Min Soil Temp (°F)65
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Jack-O'-Lantern in Zone 13b typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Jack-O'-Lantern.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 13b supports continuous outdoor production.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease commonly affects Cucurbita pepo (Jack-O'-Lantern) and how can I stop it?
Cucurbita pepo often gets powdery mildew (a white, dusty coating on leaves) in humid or crowded plantings. Improve airflow by spacing plants and removing heavily infected leaves early, then spray a labeled horticultural sulfur product when symptoms first appear. Water at the base in the morning to keep leaf surfaces drier, and avoid letting vines sprawl in damp, shaded corners.
How often should I water Cucurbita pepo during its main growing phase?
During active vine and fruit growth, keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—aim for about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) of water per week depending on heat and rainfall. Water deeply at the roots when the top 1 inch of soil (2–3 cm) starts to dry, because Cucurbita pepo forms most of its yield from consistent moisture. Stop frequent light watering late in the season; once the fruit has fully colored, let the soil dry slightly between waterings to reduce rot risk.
How do I tell when Cucurbita pepo Jack-O'-Lantern pumpkins are ready to harvest?
Harvest when the skin is hard and fully colored (no green left), and the rind resists puncturing with a fingernail. The stem should be starting to dry and turn brown, and the pumpkin should sound hollow when tapped gently. Cut with sharp pruners leaving 2–3 inches of stem attached to help it store well.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 65°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best carving quality and fewer vine stress issues, prioritize direct sow or transplant only when soil is reliably warm and nights stay mild, then keep plants evenly watered to avoid rind cracking.

Botanical illustration of Jack-O'-Lantern

Sink your senses into Jack-O’-Lantern’s luminous, lantern-bright fruit—an unmistakable warm orange glow that seems to radiate from the garden. The flesh is thick and velvety, with a pleasantly sweet, mellow flavor and a sturdy, roast-ready texture that holds its shape beautifully. Grow it for standout centerpiece pumpkins, plus dependable performance for hearty autumn favorites like roasting, purees, and spiced preserves.