Warm-Season Vegetable

When to Plant Pumpkins in Oklahoma

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

The Short Answer

In Oklahoma, pumpkins planting dates vary by region. In Northern Oklahoma, your average last frost is around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Oklahoma sees its last frost around Mar 15 - Apr 1. Since pumpkins are frost-sensitive, start seeds indoors 3 weeks before your last frost, then transplant outside 2 weeks after frost danger has passed. Red clay soils common. Alkaline in west. Rich prairie soils in east. Wind erosion in western panhandle.

Oklahoma Frost Dates

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

Region Zones Last Frost (Spring) First Frost (Fall)
Northern Oklahoma 6b, 7a Apr 5 - Apr 20 Oct 15 - Nov 1
Central Oklahoma 7a, 7b Mar 25 - Apr 10 Oct 25 - Nov 10
Southern Oklahoma 7b Mar 15 - Apr 1 Nov 1 - Nov 15

Pumpkins Planting Schedule for Oklahoma

Northern Oklahoma (Zones 6b, 7a)

Average last frost: Apr 5 - Apr 20 · Average first frost: Oct 15 - Nov 1

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

Central Oklahoma (Zones 7a, 7b)

Average last frost: Mar 25 - Apr 10 · Average first frost: Oct 25 - Nov 10

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

Southern Oklahoma (Zones 7b)

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

Growing Pumpkins in Oklahoma

Pumpkins in Oklahoma's Climate

Your long season means you can plant pumpkins later than northern growers while still getting October harvest. The trick is timing: plant in June-July so pollination occurs in September when temperatures have moderated from peak summer heat. Squash vine borer often has two generations in warm climates — the later planting helps avoid the worst damage.

Soil Considerations for Oklahoma

Red clay soils common. Alkaline in west. Rich prairie soils in east. Wind erosion in western panhandle. Make sure soil has warmed to at least 65°F before planting pumpkins outside.

Oklahoma Climate & Growing Season

Hot summers. Severe thunderstorms and tornado risk. Good growing season length. Windy — windbreaks help gardens. 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 Oklahoma: Northern Oklahoma (6b, 7a) has a last frost around Apr 5 - Apr 20, while Southern Oklahoma (7b) sees frost end around Mar 15 - Apr 1. 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:

Corn Beans Marigolds

Keep pumpkins away from:

Potatoes

The Bottom Line

Pumpkins can be grown successfully across Oklahoma, but your exact planting dates depend on which region you're in. Northern Oklahoma gardeners should plan around a Apr 5 - Apr 20 last frost, while those in Southern Oklahoma can typically plant earlier. 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 Oklahoma Planting Calendar All plants for Oklahoma 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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