By Shelby Carroll
N.C. Cooperative Extension

Fall in North Carolina brings cooler weather, colorful leaves and pumpkin-filled festivities. Whether you’re looking to grow your own pumpkins, visit a pumpkin patch or join in fall-themed events, the state offers plenty of opportunities to embrace pumpkin season.

While North Carolina is known for crops like sweet potatoes and tobacco, pumpkins are becoming increasingly popular. Farmers across the state grow pumpkins for both food and decorative purposes, especially for fall events and festivals. Most pumpkins grown here are used for jack-o’-lanterns, pies and seasonal décor.

Pumpkin farming thrives in North Carolina’s diverse climate. Western regions, with cooler temperatures, are particularly favorable for pumpkin growth, but farms across the Piedmont and Coastal Plains also cultivate hearty varieties.

If you’re thinking about growing pumpkins at home, here are a few tips for success:

• Planting time
  • Pumpkins need a long growing season (90-120 days). In North Carolina, the ideal planting time is late May to early June, ensuring they’re ready for harvest by late September or early October.
• Soil and location
  • Pumpkins thrive in well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8. They need full sunlight for at least 6-8 hours daily.
• Watering and fertilization
  • Pumpkins need regular watering, especially during the flowering and fruit-setting stages. However, avoid waterlogging the soil. Use compost or fertilizer to encourage growth and support the vines.
• Pest control
  • Be on the lookout for squash bugs, cucumber beetles and powdery mildew. Organic pesticides or companion planting (with marigolds or radishes) can help protect your crop.
• Harvesting
  • Pumpkins are ready to harvest when the skin hardens and develops a deep, rich color. Leave a 2- to 3-inch stem when cutting the pumpkin off the vine to extend its shelf life.

Pumpkins are an essential part of fall in North Carolina, from the fields where they grow to the festivals and food they inspire. Whether you’re visiting a local farm, navigating a corn maze or baking pumpkin treats at home, there’s no shortage of ways to enjoy this festive crop. So grab your friends and family, head to a pumpkin patch, and savor the sights, flavors, and traditions of pumpkin season in the Tar Heel State. Be sure to download the Visit NC Farm app to see farms selling local pumpkins near you.

Shelby Carroll is agriculture and natural resources agent with the Rowan County Cooperative Extension.