Growing pumpkins in Illinois is a rewarding experience for gardeners in the country . The state ’s temperate mood provides the right conditions for a successful harvest . summer are fond and humid , with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s , while winters are stale and snowy , with temperature average in the mid-30s .
Rainfall throughout the year keeps the soil moist and well - debilitate , providing an ideal environment for pumpkin plant to thrive . With the good dirt and climate conditions , Illinois agriculturist can produce a bounty of pumpkins each time of year .
Popular pumpkin varieties
take the right form of autumn pumpkin for your determination and mood is an important step in growing pumpkins . If you live in a climate with a shorter growing time of year , you ’ll want to pluck a form that matures in under 100 days . These are some democratic pumpkin miscellanea and their rough days to harvest :
Please note that the days to harvest time may vary reckon on growing condition , so it ’s best to refer to the seed packet or confab with a local horticulture expert for more specific information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in Illinois
If you want to get a head start up on your pumpkin crop or survive in a region with a shorter growing time of year , start up yourpumpkin seed indoorscan be a great option . Generally address , you should draw a bead on to start your pumpkin seed indoors about 4 - 6 weeks before you plan to graft them outdoors . This timing will give the seedlings time to mature and develop strong root systems , without becoming too large or root - bound . In Illinois , you should plant your Cucurbita pepo seeds indoors around :
To get your autumn pumpkin seed indoors , you ’ll need to gather some supply , including seed - starting trays , seed - starting mix , and a grow ignitor or sunny windowsill . fulfil the seed - starting trays with the semen - start mix , and plant one or two pumpkin come per cell , plant the seeds about 1 in cryptic .
Place the seed trays in a warm , shiny location , and keep the ground consistently moist . Once the seed have sprout and developed their first set of on-key leaf , you’re able to begin to fertilize them with a balanced fertilizer .
As the seedlings proceed to grow , you may need to lose weight them out to one industrial plant per cell to prevent overcrowding . It ’s also important to temper off your seedlings before transplant them out of doors , gradually exposing them to outdoor status over the course of several days to avoid shock . With right attention and attending , your indoor - uprise pumpkin seedling will be ready to transplant outdoors and continue their development into mature , beautiful pumpkin vine .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have develop into tough plants and the conditions has warmed up , it ’s prison term to transplant them outdoors . Before transplantation , it ’s significant to verify that the dirt temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° 100 ) and that there is no longer a danger of frost . The final frost escort in Illinois is :
To prepare your garden bed for pumpkin starts , choose a gay location with well - enfeeble stain . Add plenty of compost or well - rotted manure to the soil , as pumpkins are operose feeders and require pot of nutrients to thrive .
When planting your pumpkin start , make certain to space them about 3 - 5 foot apart , depend on the smorgasbord . get the picture a hole that is slightly expectant than the root ball of the seedling , and place the seedling into the hole , making sure to forget it up to its first solidifying of true folio . This will encourage the plant to develop a strong source scheme and establish itself in the soil .
After planting , irrigate your pumpkin starts thoroughly and regularly , making indisputable to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged . Adding a layer of mulch around the plants can serve hold back moisture and forestall weeds .
As the pumpkin industrial plant continue to arise , you may need to put up additional support in the manakin of trellises or cages to keep the vine from sprawling too far and contract up too much space . With right care and attention , your pumpkin start will grow into mature plants and produce beautiful , healthy pumpkins just in time for the crop season .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve planted your pumpkin outside in Illinois , it ’s significant to provide them with proper care . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin plant life and have an amazing harvest !
When to harvest pumpkins in Illinois
Pumpkins are typically quick to harvest when they have get to their full size and the vine have start to dry out . Here are some signs that your pumpkins are quick to be pick :
When harvest pumpkins , it ’s important to use sharp , clean shear or a tongue to cut the theme about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) above the fruit . head off pulling or twisting the pumpkin , which can damage the base and make it more susceptible to rot . After harvesting , store your pumpkins in a cool , dry berth with expert air circulation to avail them last longer .
