Baby Bear

Pumpkin

Zone 4b Save Garden

🌱 95d to harvest Vine

Sink your fingers into Baby Bear’s delightfully compact fruits, where a velvety, deep-ribbed skin glows in warm orange-copper ton…

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Direct Sow
Last Frost	May 13th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	May 27th
Harvest Begins	Aug 30th
Harvest Ends	Sep 27th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	95
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	80
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Moonsong Deep Orange Marigold

Red Gem Marigold

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I treat powdery mildew on Baby Bear plants?

Look for a white, floury coating on leaves and stems, usually starting after warm days and humid nights (mid to late season). Remove the most infected leaves, improve airflow with proper spacing, and water at the soil line (not on foliage). Spray a fungicide labeled for powdery mildew on vegetables and repeat according to label timing, especially after the first visible symptoms.

How often should I water Baby Bear during the main growing phase?

During the active growth period (after seedlings establish and while producing/pushing new growth), keep soil evenly moist but not soggy—about 1 inch of water per week, split into 2–3 waterings during hot weather. Check by feel: the top 1–2 inches should be moist, but the soil should not stay wet or waterlogged. If leaves wilt in the heat of day, water deeply in the morning and avoid daily shallow watering.

When is Baby Bear ready to harvest?

Harvest when fruits are fully developed at about 95 days from sowing and have reached the expected size and color for “Baby Bear,” with firm skin and a crisp snap. For the best flavor, pick in the morning, before the heat softens the fruit. If you’re unsure, do a test harvest—if the flesh is tender and the seeds are fully formed for the stage, it’s ready.

Sink your fingers into Baby Bear’s delightfully compact fruits, where a velvety, deep-ribbed skin glows in warm orange-copper tones and feels satisfyingly substantial in the hand. The flesh is richly flavored and tender, with a fine-grained bite that shines when roasted for caramelized sweetness, or when used for hearty sauces and festive preserves. Ideal for gardeners who love showy, space-smart harvests, Baby Bear matures to miniature pumpkins that hold their charm well from vine to display.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

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 the best chance of early harvest, set plants out only when nights are consistently warm and soil is near 70°F, then give them plenty of space to run.