When to Plant Pumpkins in New York
From jack-o-lanterns to pies, pumpkins need space and time but deliver a uniquely satisfying harvest.
The Short Answer
New York Frost Dates
Your planting dates depend on which part of New York you're in. Here are the frost date ranges by region:
| Region | Zones | Last Frost (Spring) | First Frost (Fall) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adirondacks | 3b, 4a, 4b | May 20 - Jun 5 | Sep 5 - Sep 20 |
| Capital Region/Hudson Valley | 5a, 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
| New York City/Long Island | 7a, 7b | Apr 5 - Apr 20 | Oct 20 - Nov 10 |
| Western New York | 5b, 6a | May 1 - May 15 | Sep 25 - Oct 10 |
Pumpkins Planting Schedule for New York
Adirondacks (Zones 3b, 4a, 4b)
Average last frost: May 20 - Jun 5 · Average first frost: Sep 5 - Sep 20
Capital Region/Hudson Valley (Zones 5a, 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
New York City/Long Island (Zones 7a, 7b)
Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 20 - Nov 10
Western New York (Zones 5b, 6a)
Average last frost: May 1 - May 15 · Average first frost: Sep 25 - Oct 10
Growing Pumpkins in New York
Pumpkins in New York'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 New York
Diverse soils. Rich agricultural land in western NY and Hudson Valley. Rocky in Adirondacks. Clay in some areas. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 65°F before planting pumpkins outside.
New York Climate & Growing Season
Wide climate variation. NYC has mild winters. Adirondacks have very short seasons. Lake effect modifies weather near Great Lakes. 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 New York: Adirondacks (3b, 4a, 4b) has a last frost around May 20 - Jun 5, while Western New York (5b, 6a) sees frost end around May 1 - May 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