Pumpkin Seed (Pepita)
Cucurbita pepo • Cucurbitaceae
🌱 Seed Category
Vegetable / Fruit
🌍 Origin Region
North America and Mesoamerica
📅 Days to Maturity
90-120 days from direct sowing to harvest, depending on the specific cultivar.
🌡️ Hardiness Zones
USDA Hardiness Zones 3-9, grown as a warm-season annual everywhere.
About This Seed
The seeds are flat, oval-shaped, dark green to yellowish-white when shelled, with a smooth texture. The resulting plant is a sprawling vine with large, lobed leaves, yellow monoecious flowers, and large round orange fleshy fruits containing numerous seeds.
Growing Information
Growing Season
Spring and Summer, direct sow after all danger of frost has passed, not frost tolerant
Germination
Germination takes 7-10 days at soil temperatures of 70-95°F. High germination rate of 85% or more. No special pre-treatment or scarification needed.
Planting Instructions
Plant 1 inch deep, spaced 24-36 inches apart in rows 4-6 feet apart. Prefers rich, well-draining loamy soil with a pH of 6.0-6.8.
Sunlight & Water Needs
Requires full sun (6-8 hours daily). Needs consistent moisture, about 1 inch of water per week. Low drought tolerance once established.
Companion Plants
Beneficial companions include corn, beans, radishes, and marigolds. Avoid potatoes.
Special Characteristics
Attracts pollinators, produces edible seeds and flesh, vulnerable to powdery mildew and squash vine borers.