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Can You Grow Pumpkin in Wisconsin?

US · USDA Zone 5a · zones 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b

Grows well here

Pumpkins grow well here — they love the warm season and produce reliably with enough space.

Plant zones

3b–11b

Wisconsin last frost

mid-April

Wisconsin first frost

mid-October

Days to harvest

75–100 days

When to plant Pumpkins in Wisconsin

Start indoors

Mar 25

Transplant

Apr 15

Harvest

Jun 29 – Jul 24

Dates are approximate, based on Wisconsin's average frost dates. Your exact yard may vary by microclimate.

About Pumpkin

Pumpkins need space warmth and sun — allow 2-4 square metres per plant for sprawling vines.

Direct sow or start indoors 3 weeks before last frost. Give each plant 2-4 sq metres. Water at the base to prevent fungal disease. Harvest when the skin is hard and the stem dries.

Full pumpkin growing guide →

Gardening in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has a cold humid continental climate. Milwaukee is Zone 5b-6a; northern Wisconsin is Zone 4a-5a. Cold winters but warm productive summers. Known for dairy farming and cold-hardy crops.