Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Pumpkins in Georgia

From jack-o-lanterns to pies, pumpkins need space and time but deliver a uniquely satisfying harvest.

The Short Answer

Georgia's fall pumpkin season is a growing tradition — pumpkin patches and corn mazes draw families across the state. Growing your own pumpkins in Georgia means working with the state's summer heat and humidity, planting in June-July for an October harvest that coincides with cooler, drier fall weather.

Georgia Frost Dates

Your planting dates depend on which part of Georgia you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
North Georgia Mountains 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 10 - Oct 25
Central Georgia 7b, 8a Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15
South Georgia 8a, 8b, 9a Feb 28 - Mar 15 Nov 10 - Nov 25

Pumpkins Planting Schedule for Georgia

North Georgia Mountains (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Central Georgia (Zones 7b, 8a)

Average last frost: Mar 15 - Apr 1 · Average first frost: Nov 1 - Nov 15

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

South Georgia (Zones 8a, 8b, 9a)

Average last frost: Feb 28 - Mar 15 · Average first frost: Nov 10 - Nov 25

Start Seeds Indoors
3 wks before frost
Transplant Outside
2 wks after frost
Direct Sow
2 wks after frost

Growing Pumpkins in Georgia

State-Specific Growing Tips

North Georgia mountains: plant in late May to mid-June. Piedmont/Atlanta: plant from mid-June through early July. South Georgia: plant in late June through July. Count backward from your desired harvest date (usually October for decorative, Thanksgiving for pie types). Georgia's clay Piedmont soil needs raised hills for drainage. In south Georgia's sandier soils, add compost for moisture retention. Give pumpkins plenty of space — 5-6 feet between hills.

Recommended Varieties for Georgia

Howden for carving. Sugar Pie for baking. Seminole Pumpkin thrives in south Georgia's heat. Jarrahdale handles Georgia's humidity well. UGA Extension recommends powdery mildew-resistant varieties for the state's humid conditions.

Common Challenges in Georgia

Squash vine borer has two generations in Georgia — the summer planting timing coincides with the second generation. Squash bugs build populations through summer. Powdery mildew is nearly universal by August. Pickle worm damage increases from coast inland. Southern blight can attack stems at ground level.

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:

Corn Beans Marigolds

Keep pumpkins away from:

Potatoes

The Bottom Line

Pumpkins can be grown successfully in Georgia with proper attention to regional frost dates and local growing conditions. Timing varies across the state — North Georgia Mountains gardeners work with a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while South Georgia sees frost end around Feb 28 - Mar 15. Choose varieties suited to your region, amend your soil based on its specific needs, and monitor for the pests and diseases most common in your area. For exact dates based on your zip code, use our free planting date finder.

Related Guides

Pumpkins Growing Guide National planting guide with all states Georgia Planting Calendar All plants for Georgia Pumpkins in Alabama Alabama planting dates Pumpkins in Alaska Alaska planting dates Pumpkins in Arizona Arizona planting dates Pumpkins in Arkansas Arkansas planting dates
Note: All dates are based on NOAA 30-year Climate Normals and represent historical averages, not predictions for any specific year. Always check your local weather forecast before planting frost-sensitive crops. Learn about our data sources.

Last reviewed: March 29, 2026

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