Growing pumpkin vine in Louisiana is a great experience for those who require to take vantage of the modest clime and farsighted growing time of year .
The subtropical climate provides a perfect surround for pumpkin plants to thrive . The summer months are hot and humid but the temperatures run to stay within a well-off range during the night and downslope season .
Rainfall is plentiful throughout the growing season , so plant delay hydrated and the soil remains prolific . The combination of cheery days , meek temperature , and ample rain makes Louisiana a great place to grow Cucurbita pepo .
Popular pumpkin varieties
Selecting the correct variety of pumpkin for your purposes and mood is an important step in grow pumpkins . If you live in a climate with a shorter grow season , you ’ll want to break up a variety that suppurate in under 100 days . These are some pop pumpkin varieties and their approximate mean solar day to harvest :
Please note that the days to harvest may vary depend on grow conditions , so it ’s good to refer to the seed package or consult with a local horticulture expert for more specific data .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in Louisiana
If you desire to get a head start on your pumpkin crop or live in a area with a shorter grow time of year , starting yourpumpkin seeds indoorscan be a smashing option . Generally speaking , you should aim to start your autumn pumpkin seeds indoors about 4 - 6 weeks before you plan to transplant them outdoors . This timing will give the seedling time to mature and arise unattackable root systems , without becoming too large or root - bound . In Louisiana , you should plant your pumpkin vine seeds indoors around :
To start your pumpkin seed indoors , you ’ll need to forgather some supplies , include seeded player - starting trays , semen - start mix , and a grow light or sunny windowsill . Fill the seed - starting trays with the germ - start mix , and plant one or two pumpkin seeds per cadre , planting the seeds about 1 column inch mysterious .
localize the seed trays in a warm , bright location , and keep the soil systematically moist . Once the source have germinate and developed their first set of honest leaves , you could start to fecundate them with a balanced fertilizer .
As the seedling continue to turn , you may take to thin them out to one industrial plant per cellular phone to prevent overcrowding . It ’s also important to indurate off your seedling before transplanting them outdoors , gradually exposing them to outside condition over the course of several day to avoid seismic disturbance . With right care and attention , your indoor - grown pumpkin seedlings will be quick to transplant out of doors and remain their growth into fledged , beautiful pumpkins .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have grow into stout plants and the weather has warm up , it ’s metre to transplant them outdoors . Before transplanting , it ’s crucial to verify that the grunge temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and that there is no longer a endangerment of frost . The final frost appointment in Louisiana is :
To prepare your garden bed for pumpkin starts , select a sunny locating with well - run out soil . Add plentitude of compost or well - rot manure to the soil , as pumpkins are toilsome eater and call for lots of nutrients to thrive .
When set your pumpkin starts , make certain to space them about 3 - 5 feet apart , depending on the variety . poke a trap that is more or less larger than the origin ball of the seedling , and localize the seedling into the mess , making sure to bury it up to its first circle of true leaf . This will further the industrial plant to grow a strong ascendent organisation and demonstrate itself in the soil .
After planting , water your pumpkin start soundly and regularly , making sure to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged . Adding a layer of mulch around the plant can help retain wet and prevent weed .
As the pumpkin plants continue to grow , you may need to provide additional support in the form of trellises or cages to keep the vines from straggle too far and contract up too much infinite . With proper tutelage and attention , your pumpkin starts will grow into ripe plants and produce beautiful , healthy autumn pumpkin just in time for the harvest home season .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve planted your pumpkins alfresco in Louisiana , it ’s important to provide them with right care . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin plant life and have an amazing harvest !
When to harvest pumpkins in Louisiana
Pumpkins are typically quick to harvest when they have reached their full size and the vine have started to dry out out . Here are some signs that your Cucurbita pepo are quick to be break up :
When harvest pumpkins , it ’s important to habituate sharp , clean shears or a tongue to cut the shank about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) above the fruit . Avoid pulling or turn the Cucurbita pepo , which can damage the base and make it more susceptible to rot . After harvesting , store your pumpkin vine in a cool , dry place with skillful line circulation to help them last longer .
