Growing Pumpkins In Containers | How To Grow Pumpkins In Pots

Can you grow pumpkins in a container? With our easy Growing Pumpkins in Containers guide, of course, you can!

Pumpkin is valued for its flavor and decorative appearance. Growing Pumpkins in Containers is not so difficult and does not require special care; in fact, it is a less demanding vegetable that adapts to any climate!

How To Grow Pumpkins In Pots

Don’t know how to grow pumpkins in containers? You can grow pumpkins from seeds or buy seedlings from a nursery. Here are the steps for growing a pumpkin in a pot.

1. Choose the Right Container

Select a container that is large enough to accommodate the pumpkin plant’s root system. A 15 to 20-gallon container with good drainage is ideal for growing pumpkins.

2. Prepare the Container

Ensure that the container has drainage holes at the bottom to prevent waterlogging. Don’t know what to put under growing pumpkins? Place a layer of gravel or small rocks at the bottom of the container to enhance drainage.

3. Select the Pumpkin Variety

Choose a pumpkin variety that is suitable for container gardening. Look for compact or dwarf varieties that produce smaller-sized pumpkins, as they are better suited for container cultivation.

4. Use Quality Potting Mix

Fill the container with a high-quality potting mix that is well-draining and nutrient-rich. Avoid using garden soil, as it may not provide adequate drainage and can lead to poor plant growth.

The best potting mix for growing pumpkins in containers is a well-draining blend consisting of equal parts of high-quality compost, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite for improved moisture retention and aeration.

5. Planting the Seeds

Sow pumpkin seeds directly into the potting mix, about 1 inch (2.5 cm) deep or as mentioned on the seed packet. After planting pumpkins in containers, gently water the soil after planting to ensure good seed-to-soil contact.

Take care of your pumpkins, and soon they’ll be ready to harvest!

Note: In really cool climates, it can be planted from April to late May. Whereas, in slightly warmer climates, it can be done until July. If you live in a frost-free subtropical or tropical climate, you can grow it most of the time of year.

Choosing a Pot for Growing Pumpkin

Choose a large pot that is 15 gallons in volume or at least 16 to 20 inches (for small pumpkin varieties). For large cultivars, the bigger the pot, the better! Just make sure it has a drainage hole at the bottom.

Tip: Consider using a container made of durable materials like plastic or terracotta, as they provide good insulation and help regulate soil temperature.

Best Pumpkin Varieties for Pots

Small pumpkin cultivars are most suitable for container gardening and growing pumpkins in raised beds. However, you can also grow giant pumpkin varieties. Some of the best ones for growing pumpkins in containers are:

• The First Pumpkin: This heirloom variety was initially used to feed cows, and in modern times, it is used to prepare delicious pie pumpkins.
• Lumina Pumpkin: It is similar to the ‘New Moon’ variety. Lumina bears white-colored pumpkins that have smooth skin.
• Porcelain Doll: This variety bears fruits that are unusually pink in color. The medium-sized pumpkin contains bright orange-colored flesh.
• Goosebumps: They initially have smooth skin but gradually develop warts as they grow.
• New Moon: This is one of the bigger varieties with thick white-colored flesh. The New Moon variety derives its name from its white-colored skin.
• Prizewinner: This variety is a super big one. It is capable of bearing large pumpkins that usually weigh between 75 and 150 lbs.
• Baby Boo: Baby Boo is ghost-like white in color and gets its name from its tiny, ‘baby’ size. It grows up to a size of 2-3 inches.
• Sugar Pie: This variety is as sweet as its name but much smaller in size. It is used mainly for baking pies, cookies, and cakes.
• Jack-o’-Lanterns: The medium-based round-shaped pumpkins are an excellent choice for carving.
• Jack-Be-Little: This little pumpkin variety can only grow up to 3-4 inches in shape and takes about 80-90 days to mature. You can plant rows for a bright and bountiful harvest.

Requirements for Growing Pumpkins In Containers

Sunlight

Place the container in a sunny location that receives at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Pumpkins thrive in full sun, which promotes healthy growth and optimal fruit development.

Low light will slow their growth, and moisture will remain on the plant, attracting mildew. When growing pumpkins in a small space, choose a spot on a balcony, patio, or any area with good sun exposure.

Soil

In cold climates, pumpkins grow best in soil that heats up easily. The potting mix you use for growing pumpkins in containers must be well-draining, have a high humus content, and have a slight water-retaining capacity.

Also, pumpkins require a lot of organic matter like compost or manure, which you can add when planting. A mix consisting of compost, peat moss, and perlite or vermiculite provides good drainage and nutrient retention, ensuring healthy pumpkin growth.

Watering

Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water the container-grown pumpkins regularly, especially during dry periods.

Check the moisture level by inserting your finger into the soil; if it feels dry at a depth of about an inch, it’s time to water. Avoid overwatering, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases.

Temperature and Humidity

Pumpkins prefer warm temperatures between 70 to 85°F (21 to 29°C) during the day and around 60 to 70°F (15 to 21°C) at night.

Maintain a moderate humidity level of around 50% to 70%. Adequate air circulation is essential to prevent fungal diseases, so avoid overcrowding the plants and ensure proper spacing between the pots when growing pumpkins in containers.

Pumpkin Care

Fertilizer

Pumpkin plants are heavy feeders and require extensive fertilization. First, rich soil is important for growing bigger and more meaty pumpkins. In the early stages of growth, balanced fertilizers like 10-10-10 are best.

It is a good idea to switch to a low-nitrogen fertilizer that is rich in potassium and phosphorus, like water-soluble 5-15-15 fertilizer, every other week (when the plant has grown and is big enough to produce flowers).

Pruning

Regular pruning helps maintain the health and productivity of container-grown pumpkins. Trim off any yellow or diseased leaves, as well as excessive vine growth, to promote airflow and reduce the risk of fungal diseases.

You should pinch off the ends of the vines once the plant has set enough pumpkins to redirect energy for better fruit development.

Support

Pumpkin grown in containers need support. To prevent them from sprawling on the ground and to promote better air circulation, you can use trellises, stakes, or cages. As the growing pumpkins vertically, gently tie the vines to the support structure using soft garden twine or plant clips.

An A-shape trellis is a good choice for growing pumpkins on a trellis. Supporting the vines helps prevent breakage, enhances fruit visibility, and reduces the risk of soil-borne diseases.

Pests and Diseases

Monitor the pumpkin plants regularly for common pests like aphids, squash bugs, or vine borers. Use organic pest control methods such as hand-picking or spraying with neem oil for growing pumpkins in containers to manage pest infestations.

Additionally, watch out for fungal diseases such as powdery mildew or downy mildew. Ensure good air circulation, avoid overhead watering, and treat with appropriate organic fungicides if necessary.

Harvesting Pumpkins

Pumpkins are ready for harvest within 90-120 days after planting (depending on the varieties and growing conditions).

Harvesting pumpkins grown in containers requires careful observation and timing. Wait until the pumpkin’s skin has hardened and reached its desired color, typically a deep, vibrant shade. The stem attached to the pumpkin should also have dried and become tough.

To pick the pumpkin, remove it carefully from the branch using pruning shears or a sharp knife. However, do not cut too close to the fruit; to extend the shelf life, leave a long stem (about 10 cm).

Harvesting Tip: Press the pumpkin with your thumb — if the bark is hard and it sounds hollow, it is time to pick the fruit. The bark should also resist nail pressure. Allow the harvested pumpkins to cure in a warm, dry area for about two weeks to enhance their flavor and increase their shelf life.

Tips on Growing Pumpkins In Containers

• You should plant pumpkins directly in containers. However, if you choose to start with seeds indoors, consider using biodegradable pots for easy transplantation.
• Without bees or other pollinators, hand pollination may be necessary to ensure fruitful harvests. Gently transfer pollen from male flowers to the stigma of female flowers, allowing the plant to set fruits.
• Male flowers typically bloom first and attract pollinators, but they only last for a day. Following them, female flowers open, with a small swelling at the base.
• Thinning the fruits by removing the smaller or misshapen ones allows the plant to direct more energy toward producing larger, higher-quality pumpkins.