When to plant pumpkin in New Jersey
New Jersey spans USDA zones 6b–8a, so the right time to plant pumpkin shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 9 in Atlantic City to May 14 in Hillsborough — below are local dates for 158 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Newark | 7b | April 4 | November 6 | April 18 – May 2 |
| Jersey City | 7b | April 4 | November 6 | April 18 – May 2 |
| Paterson | 7a | April 15 | October 28 | April 29 – May 13 |
| Elizabeth | 7b | April 2 | November 10 | April 16 – April 30 |
| Toms River | 7a | April 23 | October 20 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Trenton | 7a | April 17 | October 28 | May 1 – May 15 |
| Clifton | 7a | April 15 | October 28 | April 29 – May 13 |
| Bayonne | 7b | April 2 | November 10 | April 16 – April 30 |
Pumpkin in New Jersey: FAQ
When can I plant pumpkin in New Jersey?
Across New Jersey, the time to direct-sow pumpkin spans roughly April 9 in Atlantic City to May 14 in Hillsborough, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pumpkin planting date vary across New Jersey?
Yes. New Jersey publishes 158 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 New Jersey?
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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