grow Cucurbita pepo in South Carolina can be a rewarding experience for any gardener , as the warm climate is an ideal environment for the vegetable to flourish . In South Carolina , temperature typically drift from the lower 60s in the former spring to the upper 80s in the late summertime , put up a tenacious acquire season that pumpkins need to get to due date .
With an average of 46 inch of rain a year , the dirt remains dampish and the plants can get the necessary water to encourage healthy growth . Additionally , South Carolina ’s humid mood provides the perfect amount of wet to keep the pumpkin ’s material body juicy and dulcet .
Popular pumpkin varieties
Selecting the right variety of pumpkin for your purpose and climate is an important step in develop autumn pumpkin . If you live in a clime with a shorter growing season , you ’ll require to pick a variety show that matures in under 100 days . These are some popular pumpkin varieties and their near solar day to harvest :
Please take note that the days to harvest may change depend on turn conditions , so it ’s best to bring up to the seed packet or confer with with a local horticulture expert for more specific information .
When to plant pumpkins indoors in South Carolina
If you require to get a head initiate on your pumpkin crop or survive in a region with a short mature season , start out yourpumpkin seed indoorscan be a great choice . Generally speaking , you should drive to start your pumpkin seeds indoors about 4 - 6 workweek before you plan to transplant them alfresco . This timing will give the seedlings prison term to mature and develop strong root system , without becoming too large or ascendant - oblige . In South Carolina , you should plant your pumpkin seed indoors around :
To start your pumpkin seed indoors , you ’ll necessitate to gather some supplying , include seed - starting trays , seed - start mixture , and a grow ignitor or gay windowsill . Fill the seeded player - start trays with the germ - starting mix , and plant one or two pumpkin seeds per cell , planting the seeds about 1 inch deep .
Place the seminal fluid tray in a lovesome , vivid location , and keep the soil systematically moist . Once the seeds have germinated and developed their first solidifying of true folio , you could set about to fecundate them with a balanced fertilizer .
As the seedlings continue to grow , you may need to thin them out to one plant per cell to prevent overcrowding . It ’s also significant to harden off your seedling before transplant them outdoors , step by step exposing them to outside condition over the course of several twenty-four hour period to deflect blow . With proper care and attention , your indoor - grown pumpkin seedlings will be ready to transfer outdoors and remain their growth into mature , beautiful Cucurbita pepo .
When to transplant pumpkins outdoors
Once your pumpkin seedlings have grown into inflexible plant and the weather has warmed up , it ’s fourth dimension to transplant them outdoors . Before transplantation , it ’s important to check that that the soil temperature is at least 60 ° F ( 15 ° C ) and that there is no longer a risk of infection of frost . The net frost day of the month in South Carolina is :
To prepare your garden seam for pumpkin start , choose a cheery locating with well - drain stain . Add plenty of compost or well - rotted manure to the dirt , as pumpkin vine are labored feeder and require lots of nutrient to thrive .
When plant your autumn pumpkin bulge out , check that to space them about 3 - 5 substructure aside , calculate on the miscellanea . Dig a trap that is somewhat big than the rootage ballock of the seedling , and place the seedling into the hole , making certain to swallow up it up to its first set of true leaves . This will boost the plant to make grow a strong root system of rules and establish itself in the dirt .
After planting , water your pumpkin start out thoroughly and regularly , making sure to keep the filth consistently moist but not waterlogged . Adding a layer of mulch around the plant can help retain moisture and forbid weeds .
As the pumpkin plants continue to get , you may need to provide additional backup in the form of trellises or cage to keep the vines from sprawl too far and taking up too much space . With proper forethought and attention , your pumpkin starts will originate into fledged plant life and bring about beautiful , healthy pumpkins just in time for the harvest time of year .
Caring for pumpkin plants
Once you ’ve planted your autumn pumpkin outdoors , it ’s authoritative to provide them with proper fear . Doing so will help you get the most out of your pumpkin flora and have an awesome harvest time !
When to harvest pumpkins in South Carolina
Pumpkins are typically ready to glean when they have reached their full size and the vines have part to dry out . Here are some signs that your pumpkins are quick to be picked :
When harvesting pumpkins , it ’s authoritative to use sharp , uninfected shear or a knife to prune the root about 2 inches ( 5 cm ) above the fruit . Avoid pulling or twist the autumn pumpkin , which can damage the stem and make it more susceptible to rot . After harvesting , hive away your pumpkins in a cool , dry place with good air circulation to serve them last longer .
