When to Plant Pumpkins in Ohio
In a typical Ohio location, sow outdoors Apr 29 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Cleveland and as late as May 15 in Girard.
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 |
|---|---|
| Columbus | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Cleveland | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Cincinnati | Apr 23 – May 7 |
| Toledo | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Akron | May 1 – May 15 |
| Dayton | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Parma | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Canton | May 1 – May 15 |
| Youngstown | May 8 – May 22 |
| Lorain | May 1 – May 15 |
| Hamilton | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Springfield | May 2 – May 16 |
| Kettering | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Elyria | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Lakewood | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Cuyahoga Falls | May 7 – May 21 |
| Middletown | May 1 – May 15 |
| Newark | May 6 – May 20 |
| Euclid | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Mentor | May 3 – May 17 |
| Mansfield | May 3 – May 17 |
| Beavercreek | Apr 25 – May 9 |
| Dublin | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Cleveland Heights | Apr 15 – Apr 29 |
| Strongsville | Apr 27 – May 11 |
| Fairfield | Apr 26 – May 10 |
| Findlay | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Warren | May 15 – May 29 |
| Lancaster | Apr 29 – May 13 |
| Grove City | Apr 30 – May 14 |
Showing the 30 most populous of 203 Ohio cities. Dates are estimates from each city's NOAA frost normals and university extension timing guidelines. See all Ohio cities.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant pumpkins in Ohio?
In a typical Ohio location, sow outdoors Apr 29 – May 13. Across the state, the outdoor planting window starts as early as Apr 15 in Cleveland and as late as May 15 in Girard.
When is the last frost in Ohio?
The average last spring frost in Ohio ranges from April 8 in Cleveland to May 8 in Girard, 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 Ohio
- 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