When to Plant Pumpkins in Maryland
From jack-o-lanterns to pies, pumpkins need space and time but deliver a uniquely satisfying harvest.
The Short Answer
Maryland Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of Maryland you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Western Maryland | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| Central Maryland | 6b, 7a | Apr 10 - Apr 25 | Oct 10 - Oct 25 |
| Eastern Shore | 7a, 7b, 8a | Apr 1 - Apr 15 | Oct 20 - Nov 5 |
Pumpkins Planting Schedule for Maryland
Western Maryland (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Central Maryland (Zones 6b, 7a)
Average last frost: Apr 10 - Apr 25 · Average first frost: Oct 10 - Oct 25
Eastern Shore (Zones 7a, 7b, 8a)
Average last frost: Apr 1 - Apr 15 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 5
Growing Pumpkins in Maryland
Pumpkins in Maryland's Climate
Your season comfortably supports both short and long-season pumpkin varieties. Direct sow in late May to early June for October harvest. Give vining types plenty of space — 5-6 feet between hills. Powdery mildew is nearly guaranteed in humid summers — choose resistant varieties. After harvesting, cure pumpkins in sun for several days to harden the skin for storage.
Soil Considerations for Maryland
Clay soils in Piedmont. Sandy loam on Eastern Shore. Acidic in most areas. Rich alluvial soils along river valleys. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 65°F before planting pumpkins outside.
Maryland Climate & Growing Season
Moderate climate with four seasons. Hot, humid summers. Good growing season. Diverse growing conditions across the state. Pumpkins cannot tolerate any frost, so wait until all frost danger has passed before transplanting outside. Watch local forecasts carefully in spring.
Growing season length varies across Maryland: Western Maryland (5b, 6a) has a last frost around May 1 - May 15, while Eastern Shore (7a, 7b, 8a) sees frost end around Apr 1 - Apr 15. This difference matters for pumpkins — transplant timing shifts by several weeks across the state.
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