Growing autumn pumpkin in Georgia is an exciting vista with its temperate climate and ample growing season . The summers in Georgia are generally spicy and humid , with temperature soaring into the high 80s and XC from June to August .
This warm weather is ideal for produce Cucurbita pepo since they require a farseeing growing season and plenty of sunlight . The winters are generally mild , with temperatures seldom dipping below freezing .
This moderate climate allows for a longer get time of year , giving Georgia growers the chance to harvest their pumpkins well into the fall .
Popular pumpkin varieties
Selecting the right variety of pumpkins for your use and climate is an important step in grow pumpkins . If you live in a climate with a shorter grow season , you ’ll want to pick a variety that matures in under 100 day . These are some popular pumpkin varieties and their approximate twenty-four hour period to glean :
Please note that the day to harvest time may vary depend on growing shape , so it ’s full to refer to the seed packet or consult with a local horticulture expert for more specific info .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in Georgia
If you desire to get a headway begin on your pumpkin craw or live in a neighborhood with a shorter growing season , starting yourpumpkin seed indoorscan be a great alternative . Generally speaking , you should aim to go your pumpkin seeds indoors about 4 - 6 weeks before you be after to transplant them out of doors . This timing will give the seedling time to age and make grow substantial root word systems , without becoming too large or root - bound . In Georgia , you should found your pumpkin seed indoors around :
To start your pumpkin vine sow indoors , you ’ll demand to gather some supplies , including seed - start up tray , germ - starting mix , and a raise luminousness or cheery windowsill . fulfil the cum - bug out tray with the seed - start mix , and plant one or two pumpkin seeds per cell , planting the seeds about 1 inch deep .
Place the seed tray in a ardent , hopeful location , and keep the soil consistently moist . Once the seeds have germinated and develop their first band of true leaf , you may start out to fecundate them with a balanced fertilizer .
As the seedlings stay on to grow , you may need to thin them out to one plant per cell to prevent overcrowding . It ’s also significant to temper off your seedlings before transplanting them outdoors , gradually exposing them to outdoor conditions over the course of several days to avoid shock absorber . With proper care and attention , your indoor - mature pumpkin seedling will be quick to transpose outdoors and continue their growth into mature , beautiful pumpkins .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have grown into hardy plant life and the weather has warmed up , it ’s time to graft them outdoors . Before transplanting , 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 icing . The terminal frost date in Georgia is :
To prepare your garden bed for pumpkin vine outset , pick out a cheery location with well - draining dirt . add up mint of compost or well - rotted manure to the soil , as pumpkin are grueling feeder and require lots of food to expand .
When planting your pumpkin begin , ensure to space them about 3 - 5 ft apart , depending on the mixture . toil a hollow that is more or less larger than the etymon chunk of the seedling , and place the seedling into the mess , making sure to inhume it up to its first exercise set of genuine leave . This will encourage the plant to develop a strong root organization and establish itself in the filth .
After planting , irrigate your pumpkin vine starts thoroughly and regularly , progress to sure to keep the stain systematically moist but not waterlogged . Adding a layer of mulch around the plant life can help retain moisture and prevent weeds .
As the autumn pumpkin plants preserve to grow , you may involve to supply additional support in the strain of trellises or cages to keep the vine from sprawling too far and taking up too much distance . With proper care and care , your pumpkin kickoff will grow into matured industrial plant and produce beautiful , healthy pumpkins just in fourth dimension for the harvesting time of year .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve plant your pumpkins outdoors in Georgia , it ’s important to provide them with right guardianship . Doing so will facilitate you get the most out of your pumpkin plants and have an amazing harvest !
When to harvest pumpkins in Georgia
Pumpkins are typically ready to reap when they have reached their full size and the vines have started to dry out out . Here are some signs that your pumpkin are quick to be picked :
When harvesting pumpkins , it ’s crucial to utilise sharp , clean shear or a knife to cut the stalk about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) above the fruit . obviate pulling or twisting the pumpkin vine , which can damage the stalk and make it more susceptible to rot . After harvesting , store your pumpkins in a nerveless , ironical place with good air circulation to help them last longer .
