When to plant pumpkin in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania spans USDA zones 5b–7b, so the right time to plant pumpkin shifts by weeks across the state. The window to sow seed directly outdoors runs from about April 13 in Philadelphia to May 29 in Hermitage — below are local dates for 86 cities, each computed from its own frost dates.
| City | Zone | Last frost | First frost | Direct sow |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Philadelphia | 7b | March 30 | November 17 | April 13 – April 27 |
| Pittsburgh | 6b | April 18 | October 28 | May 2 – May 16 |
| Allentown | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Reading | 7a | April 14 | October 29 | April 28 – May 12 |
| Erie | 7a | April 26 | November 4 | May 10 – May 24 |
| Bethlehem | 7a | April 20 | October 24 | May 4 – May 18 |
| Scranton | 6b | April 23 | October 20 | May 7 – May 21 |
| Lancaster | 7a | April 19 | October 24 | May 3 – May 17 |
Pumpkin in Pennsylvania: FAQ
When can I plant pumpkin in Pennsylvania?
Across Pennsylvania, the time to direct-sow pumpkin spans roughly April 13 in Philadelphia to May 29 in Hermitage, each following that city's local frost dates.
Does the pumpkin planting date vary across Pennsylvania?
Yes. Pennsylvania publishes 86 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 Pennsylvania?
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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