UK sowing calendar
When to sow pumpkins in the UK
Pumpkins sowing calendar (UK)
| Sow under cover | Apr |
|---|---|
| Sow / plant outdoors | late May-Jun |
| Harvest | Sep-Oct |
Tender, so start indoors mid-to-late Apr at 18-21C and plant out only after the last frost (late May-Jun). Grows outdoors fine in the UK; harvest and cure the fruits before the first autumn frost, as frosted pumpkins won't store.
UK timing runs on the last-frost date, not a USDA zone. Most of Britain sees its last frost around mid-May, with the north and exposed inland gardens a week or two later and the mild south-west and coast earlier. Tender crops start under cover and only go out once frost has passed; hardy crops can be direct-sown as soon as the soil is workable.
Timing aligned with the RHS grow-your-own guide for pumpkins.
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When to sow pumpkins in the UK — FAQs
When should I sow pumpkins in the UK?
Sow pumpkins under cover Apr, then outdoors late may-jun. Tender, so start indoors mid-to-late Apr at 18-21C and plant out only after the last frost (late May-Jun). Grows outdoors fine in the UK; harvest and cure the fruits before the first autumn frost, as frosted pumpkins won't store.
Can you sow pumpkins outdoors in the UK?
Yes — sow or plant pumpkins outdoors late may-jun. Wait until after the last frost (around mid-May, later in the north) for anything tender.
When is pumpkins ready to harvest in the UK?
Pumpkins is typically harvested Sep-Oct in the UK, depending on your sowing date, cultivar and region.
Is it too late to sow pumpkins?
It depends on the month and your region. Pumpkins has a UK outdoor window of late may-jun; northern and exposed gardens run a week or two behind the south. Open Growli and tell it your postcode for timing tuned to your own last-frost date.