Crops › Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin (Squash)
How to grow Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin (Squash)
in the US
Sow April to May, plant out June to August, harvest September to October. About 90 days from seed to plate.
Shown for zone 6. Zone table further down.
Right, who doesn't love a proper Jack-O'-Lantern? These squashes are just the ticket for Halloween, and growing your own is dead easy, honestly. They'll take up a bit of space on your plot, but seeing those big orange beauties develop is a cracking sight, and you'll be chuffed when they're ready for carving.
Sowing
You'll want to get your Jack-O'-Lantern seeds started either indoors, about two to four weeks before your last frost, or direct sow them once the soil has properly warmed up. For folks in USDA Zone 5, that's usually May. Zone 6 and 7 can start April or May, and you southerners in Zone 8 and 9 can even get them going in March or April. Pop 'em about an inch (2.5 cm) deep in good seed-starting mix, or directly into the ground, remembering they're going to get big.
Growing on
Once your indoor seedlings have their true leaves, carefully prick them out into bigger pots. Then, you'll need to harden them off gradually for a week or two before planting them out after all danger of frost has passed. Give them plenty of room, like 3-5 feet (1-1.5 meters) between plants, because these fellas really like to spread out across the ground, taking up quite a bit of space, you know what I mean.
Looking after it
Jack-O'-Lanterns are proper hungry and thirsty plants, so make sure they're in full sun with rich soil. Water them deeply and consistently, especially when the fruits are setting and growing. A good layer of mulch around the plants will help keep that moisture in and keep the weeds down. You could even plant some corn, beans, nasturtiums, or marigolds nearby; they make great companions.
What goes wrong
Keep a keen eye out for the usual suspects. Squash bugs and cucumber beetles can be a nuisance, and vine borers can cause real damage, so check your plants regularly. Aphids can also show up, but a strong jet of water often sorts them out. Just stay on top of things, and you'll be grand.
Harvest
Your Jack-O'-Lanterns will be ready for picking about 90 days after sowing, usually from late summer right through fall. You'll know they're ready when the skin is hard and the color is a proper deep orange. Cut them from the vine, leaving a bit of stem attached. Cure them in a warm, dry spot for a week or two, and then they'll store well for ages, ready for carving.
I always try to grow a couple of extra plants, just in case one of those pesky vine borers gets to a main stem. It’s a bit of insurance, you know.
Dates for your plot
Type your zone and the plant-out advice shifts to your frost dates.
Varieties, and whether the club would grow them again
| Variety | Club verdict |
|---|---|
| Howden A classic carving pumpkin, known for its uniform shape and strong handle. Best for gardeners who want reliable, medium to large pumpkins for Halloween. | No club votes yet |
| Howden Biggie This one's for those who like their pumpkins proper big. It's a fantastic variety for direct sowing, producing impressive, hefty gourds perfect for a big display. | No club votes yet |
| Autumn Gold A lovely early maturing pumpkin, great for getting a jump on the season. Sow this one indoors to get rich gold pumpkins ready for an early fall display. | No club votes yet |
| Jack-O’-Lantern The original and, many would say, the best for traditional carving. This variety is sturdy for direct sowing and gives you that classic round shape everyone knows and loves. | No club votes yet |
| Magic Lantern A really good choice if you're looking for consistent, medium-sized pumpkins. Starting indoors ensures strong plants that produce uniform fruits, just right for the whole family to carve. | No club votes yet |
| Racer If you're after speed, 'Racer' is your go-to, maturing quickly for an early harvest. It's best direct-sown for its vigorous growth and consistent, medium-sized fruits. | No club votes yet |
| Spookie A fantastic smaller pumpkin, perfect for table decorations or little carvers. Get this one started indoors for sturdy plants that produce plenty of handy-sized fruits. | No club votes yet |
| Harvest Moon This variety offers beautiful, deep orange pumpkins with strong, dark handles, great for a classic look. Direct sow for robust plants that yield excellent quality fruits for fall displays. | No club votes yet |
| Field Trip Known for its strong disease resistance and good yield of uniform pumpkins. Starting these indoors gives them the best start for a healthy, productive season. | No club votes yet |
| Gladiator A robust, vigorous grower that produces impressive, large pumpkins. Direct sowing works a treat for this one, letting its strong vines really get established. | No club votes yet |
| Kratos If you want big, heavy pumpkins with thick walls for carving, 'Kratos' is a top choice. Starting it indoors ensures a strong plant that can support those impressive fruits. | No club votes yet |
| Orange Sunrise This variety gives you lovely, bright orange pumpkins early in the season. It's a cracking option for direct sowing, growing quickly to give you a head start on your fall decorations. | No club votes yet |
| Skidoo Gold A reliable producer of medium-sized, round pumpkins with good color. Get these going indoors for a dependable harvest of carving-ready fruits. | No club votes yet |
| Connecticut Field This is a classic, old-fashioned favorite, producing large, slightly ribbed pumpkins. Direct sow this variety for a proper traditional pumpkin patch experience. | No club votes yet |
| Scary Carver F1 An F1 hybrid known for its excellent uniformity and deep orange color. Starting this one indoors gives you strong, reliable plants that produce perfect carving pumpkins. | No club votes yet |
Votes are members rating varieties in their Seed Tin, one vote per gardener. Tap a variety for the full page and where to buy.
Buy Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin (Squash) seeds
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Sowing by USDA zone
| Zone | Sow / plant | Harvest |
|---|---|---|
| Zone 3 | April to June | August to November |
| Zone 4 | April to June | August to November |
| Zone 5 | May | September to October |
| Zone 6 | April to May | September to October |
| Zone 7 | April to May | August to October |
| Zone 8 | March to April | August to November |
| Zone 9 | March to April | August to November |
| Zone 10 | April to June | August to November |
Cook the harvest
Caramelized wedges of roasted jack-o-lantern pumpkin arranged over peppery arugula with crumbled feta, pomegranate seeds, candied pecans, and a honey-balsamic dressing. The sweetness of the pumpkin, the salty cheese, and the tart pomegranate create a salad that feels like fall on a plate. Ready in 30 minutes and visually stunning.
35 min · easyCubed pumpkin roasted until caramelized and paired with smoky black beans makes a filling, plant-based taco that surprises with every bite. The sweetness of the pumpkin against the lime crema and pickled jalapeño creates a satisfying contrast. A weeknight dinner that feels festive.
45 min · easyFluffy, spiced pancakes loaded with pumpkin purée that make fall mornings feel like a celebration. These come together as quickly as regular pancakes with the bonus of vegetable nutrition hiding in every bite. Top with maple syrup and toasted pecans.
30 min · easyA rich, velvety soup made from roasted Jack-O'-Lantern pumpkin with warming spices. This autumnal classic proves that carving pumpkins make excellent eating too. Serve with crusty bread for a satisfying fall meal.
60 min · easyWatch for, and grow alongside
Companions: Corn, Beans, Nasturtiums, Marigolds
Questions people ask
When do you sow Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin (Squash) in the US?
Sow Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin (Squash) from April to May in zone 6, earlier or later by zone. Plant out June to August, after the last frost.
How long does Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin (Squash) take from sowing to harvest?
Roughly 90 days, with the harvest September to October.
Which Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin (Squash) varieties do gardeners grow again?
Club members rate every variety they grow. This page shows the grow-again votes for Howden, Howden Biggie, Autumn Gold, Jack-O’-Lantern and more.
Track your Jack-O'-Lantern Pumpkin (Squash) from packet to plate
Sowing reminders and harvest forecasts for your own frost dates, the Seed Tin, Scan Centre for any label or packet, and the Potty Mouth Garden Club. Free to start.
Allotment keeper in the North East of England, the voice behind the Tony C Smith YouTube channel, and the gardener who built GrowMore CookMore. Club numbers on this page update as members log their plots. Last updated 3 September 2026.