Growing Sugar Pie Pumpkins

Growing sugar pie pumpkins

They're one of the quicker pumpkins to mature, 95-100 days, which was always a plus. And we found, with a little care (okay, a lot) we could start them indoors and plant them in the garden when all danger of frost was past (read our How to Grow Pumpkins article to learn more) .

Do sugar pumpkins need a trellis?

Pumpkins need strong, sturdy vertical structures that can support their weight because the plants will become heavy as the pumpkins mature. What is this? Arches , arbors and trellises are ideal for growing pumpkins vertically and they'll look attractive in the garden as well.

How many sugar pumpkins will one plant produce?

Very Prolific. These grew quite vigorously, more so than expected, with the vines reaching about 15 feet long and each plant bearing around 5 pumpkins.

How do you know when sugar pumpkins are ready to harvest?

A pumpkin that's ready for harvest should be fully colored—whatever that hue might be. The rind should also be firm. If your fingernail easily pierces or creates an indentation in the skin, the pumpkin isn't ready to harvest. Pick a pumpkin that's too soft, and it will shrivel within a few days.

Are sugar pumpkins easy to grow?

A sugar pie pumpkin can grow in any mild climate if they have enough water, fertile soil, and plenty of sun. They will not grow well in heat over 100 degrees Fahrenheit, but if you plant them early enough and put them in storage before the high temperatures arrive, then they should grow very well.

How long does it take a sugar pie pumpkin to mature?

Days to Maturity: 105-115 days for maturity. Watering: Sugar Pie Pumpkins require a moderate amount of water. An inch of water a week ensures good growth, whether vegetables are grown in single or wide rows.

Should I put something under my growing pumpkins?

Having a bed of sand underneath your pumpkin allows it to grow more easily. It makes sense, think about how easy it is to have sand flow through your fingers. It's made up of many small particles. Allowing less friction than if you were growing directly on soil.

How many pumpkins should you let grow on one vine?

A single pumpkin plant can produce between two and five pumpkins. Miniature pumpkin varieties such as Jack B. Little (also known as JBL) can produce as many as twelve pumpkins.

Should you pinch off pumpkin vines?

While it's not absolutely necessary to trim the vines, doing so can encourage a more abundant harvest, and larger pumpkins.

Do pumpkins grow back every year?

Since the growing season for pumpkins is from early spring to fall, it's important to harvest your plants before the first hard frost of winter. These fruits must be replanted every year—your pumpkins will not come back in the spring on their own.

How long do sugar pumpkins last off the vine?

Pumpkins are usually harvested in September and October. Once off the vine, healthy pumpkins will last from three months to a whole year if they're stored properly.

How do you encourage female pumpkin flowers?

To increase the likelihood of successful pollination, you can try your hand at it, literally. Hand pollination may be the way to go. Hand pollinate before 10 a.m. on a day when a female flower is about to open. You may need to keep an eye on them for a few days.

Can you leave a pumpkin on the vine too long?

You should leave pumpkins on the vine as long as you can. They'll only ripen and change color while still growing. Unlike tomatoes and bananas, pumpkins won't improve after picking.

How many sugar pie pumpkins per plant?

Since some varieties of pumpkins like Sugar Pie pumpkins do not grow to be very big, leaving 8-10 pumpkins per plant is acceptable. Miniature Baby Boos are smaller yet, so you can keep as many on the plant as you wish. However, if you plan on growing any of the larger-sized pumpkins, 3-4 pumpkins per plant is optimal.

How do you harvest sugar pie pumpkins?

Harvest: Should be harvested before a hard frost when pumpkins have turned a deep orange color. Use shears or a knife to cut the vine at least an inch up, as pumpkins without stems will not keep for very long. Be aware of prickly stems and vines when harvesting as they can cause rashes.

Can you plant sugar pumpkins in August?

Pumpkins generally need to be planted outside after the last chance of frost has passed. However, pumpkins grow more quickly in warm weather, so if you live in a warmer climate, you can plant pumpkin seeds as late as mid-July.

Do sugar pumpkins climb?

Do pumpkins grow well in vertical gardens? You bet they do! Pumpkin vines love to climb; in fact, they'll climb over anything near them if you aren't careful. This makes them an excellent choice for vertical gardens.

Can you trellis sugar pie pumpkins?

Think vertical, and train your pumpkins to grow on a trellis with the fruit supported with netting or old pantyhose. This works best with varieties that bear smaller fruit, such as 'Small Sugar,' 'Baby Pam' and 'Cotton Candy,' but larger varieties can be grown vertically, too.

When should pie pumpkins be planted?

On the other end of the growing season, you want to be sure your pumpkin has ample time to mature before frost arrives. For most jack o'lantern, carving, and pie pumpkins, you can safely tuck seeds into soil between May 15 and June 15, based on your area's average last spring frost.

How often do you water sugar pumpkins?

Pumpkins are Thirsty You'll need to water them once a week, with about one inch of water. Pumpkin plants are considered thirsty plants when it comes to fruits and vegetables, but make sure not to over-water them (an inch, once a week, is perfect).