When should you plant pumpkins in Missouri?

In Missouri, pumpkins should be planted in June. Exact dates vary slightly by region, with local experts recommending the following schedule: Southern Missouri, June 5 to 10; Central Missouri, June 10 to 15; and Northern Missouri, June 15 to 20.

Be wary of planting pumpkins too early in Missouri, as the seedlings are susceptible to late-spring frosts and require a soil temperature of at least 60 degrees F. Pumpkins take approximately 110 days to grow from planting to eating stage, making mid-June the ideal planting time for a mid-fall harvest. Early summer planting also allows pumpkin plants ample sunshine, which is a requirement for their growth.