When to plant pumpkin in Montana
Montana spans USDA zones 4b–5b, so the right time to plant pumpkin shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about May 18 in Billings to June 27 in Butte-Silver Bow — below are local dates for 8 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Billings | 5a | May 4 | October 7 | May 18 – June 1 |
| Missoula | 5b | May 10 | October 1 | May 24 – June 7 |
| Great Falls | 4b | May 6 | October 1 | May 20 – June 3 |
| Bozeman | 5a | May 26 | September 22 | June 9 – June 23 |
| Butte-Silver Bow | 5a | June 13 | September 5 | June 27 – July 11 |
| Helena | 5a | May 9 | September 30 | May 23 – June 6 |
| Kalispell | 5b | May 31 | September 10 | June 14 – June 28 |
| Belgrade | 5a | May 26 | September 16 | June 9 – June 23 |
Pumpkin in Montana: FAQ
When can I plant pumpkin in Montana?
Across Montana, the time to direct-sow pumpkin spans roughly May 18 in Billings to June 27 in Butte-Silver Bow, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pumpkin planting date vary across Montana?
Yes. Montana publishes 8 cities with their own frost dates, so the right pumpkin planting window shifts by weeks between the warmest and coldest parts of the state — use your city's page for the exact dates.
How long does pumpkin take to grow in Montana?
Pumpkin takes about 90–110 days to reach harvest once planted — check that this fits inside your city's frost-free season on its place page.
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