Pumpkins are a classic fall favorite, from carved jack-o’-lanterns to pumpkin pies. But do you know how pumpkins grow and develop? In this post, we’ll walk through the simple life cycle of a pumpkin, step-by-step. Get ready to learn how a small seed turns into a full-grown pumpkin!
Planting the Seed
It all starts with a small pumpkin seed.
- In springtime after the first frost
- Plant the seed an inch deep in the soil
When the seeds start to sprout sport in the warmth of the soil, they send down roots and send up green shoots that will become pumpkin plants.
With some soil, sun, and care, that seed transforms into a thriving pumpkin plant, ready for the next stages of its life cycle.
Growing Vines and Flowers
When the pumpkin grows, it sends out green vines that look like arms crawling across your garden. Soon you will start to see yellow flowers growing along the vines.
In order to see pumpkins start forming, bees and other insects must pollinate the bright yellow flowers. Once pollinated, small green pumpkins will begin growing where the flowers used to be.
Over the next several months, the pumpkins will slowly grow bigger and change color from green to bright orange. Meanwhile, the plant’s vines will dry up, signaling the pumpkins are nearly ready to harvest.
Harvest Time
The pumpkins should be ready for harvest when October arrives! When do you know they’re ready?
- The pumpkins show a rich orange coloring.
- The vines have become dry and brown.
- When you tap the pumpkin skin, it feels hard.
- The stem is woody and tough.
The exciting part is about to begin: selecting your pumpkins! Trim the stem 4–6 inches from the pumpkin’s top. Your pumpkin may break if you carry it by the stem alone, so use caution.
You can now use your pumpkins for fall activities like pumpkin pie and jack-o’-lantern carving or store the seeds for planting next spring!
Saving the Seeds
After using your pumpkins for all your favorite fall activities, preserve the seeds inside and plant them again next spring! This resets the pumpkin’s life cycle.
- Scoop the seeds
- Wash off the pulp
- Dry the seeds
- Store them in an airtight container
- Plant seeds next spring
Toasted Pumpkins Seeds
- 2 cups seeds from pumpkin
- 1 ½ tablespoon melted butter, margarine, or vegetable oil
- 1 ¼ teaspoons salt
Save the seeds from your pumpkin. Wash them and pat them dry between two towels. Mix all the ingredients together. Then bake at 250 degrees F, stirring from time to time. After about thirty minutes, remove seeds from pan and let cool.
Reading time
Enjoy your pumpkin seed snack while listening to a few stories.
Family Activities 