When to Plant Pumpkins in Florida
From jack-o-lanterns to pies, pumpkins need space and time but deliver a uniquely satisfying harvest.
The Short Answer
Florida Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Florida you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| North Florida | 8a, 8b, 9a | Feb 15 - Mar 10 | Nov 15 - Dec 10 |
| Central Florida | 9a, 9b, 10a | Jan 15 - Feb 10 | Dec 10 - Jan 5 |
| South Florida | 10a, 10b, 11a | Rare | Rare |
Pumpkins Planting Schedule for Florida
North Florida (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)
Average last frost: Feb 15 - Mar 10 · Average first frost: Nov 15 - Dec 10
Central Florida (Zones 9a, 9b, 10a)
Average last frost: Jan 15 - Feb 10 · Average first frost: Dec 10 - Jan 5
South Florida (Zones 10a, 10b, 11a)
Average last frost: Rare · Average first frost: Rare
Growing Pumpkins in Florida
State-Specific Growing Tips
North Florida: plant from late July through August for fall harvest. Central Florida: plant in August. South Florida: plant from September through October. Florida's sandy soils drain well but need heavy compost amendment for the nutrients pumpkins demand. The summer planting timing means dealing with Florida's worst pest and disease pressure. Mulch heavily and water consistently. Seminole Pumpkin is the secret weapon — this Florida native variety handles conditions that destroy northern varieties.
Recommended Varieties for Florida
Seminole Pumpkin is the #1 recommendation for Florida — it's the only pumpkin variety adapted to Florida's combination of heat, humidity, and pest pressure. It produces abundantly where other varieties fail. For northern pumpkin aesthetics in north Florida, try Howden planted in late July — it may survive long enough for a fall harvest. Jack Be Little and other minis are more achievable than large carving types.
Common Challenges in Florida
Downy mildew, powdery mildew, and gummy stem blight hit pumpkin vines hard in Florida's summer humidity. Pickle worm bores into developing fruits. Whiteflies transmit viruses. Nematodes in sandy soils attack roots. The heat itself causes poor pollination — hand pollinate in early morning when temperatures are cooler.
Growing Tips
Count backwards from when you want ripe pumpkins (usually October). They need 90-120 days, so mid-June to early July is often ideal.
Companion Planting
Plant pumpkins alongside these companions for better growth:
Keep pumpkins away from:
The Bottom Line
Last reviewed: March 29, 2026