When to Plant Pumpkins in Montana
In a typical Montana location, sow outdoors May 21 – Jun 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 12 in Laurel and as late as Jun 20 in Butte.
Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost; back-time from your first fall frost so the 90-120 day maturity window lands before it.
Pumpkins Planting Dates by City
| City | Direct sow |
|---|---|
| Billings | May 17 – May 31 |
| Missoula | May 17 – May 31 |
| Great Falls | May 13 – May 27 |
| Bozeman | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Butte | Jun 20 – Jul 4 |
| Helena | May 16 – May 30 |
| Kalispell | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Havre | May 22 – Jun 5 |
| Anaconda | Jun 8 – Jun 22 |
| Miles City | May 15 – May 29 |
| Helena Valley Southeast | May 16 – May 30 |
| Belgrade | Jun 2 – Jun 16 |
| Helena Valley West Central | May 16 – May 30 |
| Evergreen | Jun 7 – Jun 21 |
| Livingston | Jun 3 – Jun 17 |
| Whitefish | May 23 – Jun 6 |
| Laurel | May 12 – May 26 |
| Sidney | May 18 – Jun 1 |
| Lockwood | May 17 – May 31 |
| Lewistown | May 21 – Jun 4 |
Showing the 20 most populous of 20 Montana cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Montana cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant pumpkins in Montana?
In a typical Montana location, sow outdoors May 21 – Jun 4. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as May 12 in Laurel and as late as Jun 20 in Butte.
When is the last frost in Montana?
The average last spring frost in Montana ranges from May 5 in Laurel to June 13 in Butte, based on NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals.
How long do pumpkins take to grow?
Pumpkins typically take 90–120 days from planting to harvest. Direct sow 1-3 weeks after last frost; back-time from your first fall frost so the 90-120 day maturity window lands before it.
Other Crops in Montana
- Tomatoes
- Peppers
- Eggplant
- Cucumbers
- Zucchini
- Winter Squash
- Watermelon
- Cantaloupe
- Corn
- Green Beans
- Peas
- Lettuce
- Spinach
- Kale
- Arugula
- Swiss Chard
- Broccoli
- Cauliflower
- Cabbage
- Brussels Sprouts
- Carrots
- Beets
- Radishes
- Turnips
- Onions
- Garlic
- Potatoes
- Sweet Potatoes
- Asparagus
- Basil
- Cilantro
- Parsley
- Dill
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Sunflowers
- Zinnias
- Marigolds
- Cosmos
- Nasturtiums
- Dahlias
When to plant pumpkins in other states