How Big Is a Pumpkin When it Starts to Sprout?

Seedling Size

• Young pumpkin plants emerge from the soil within a week of planting, under ideal conditions. The seedlings have two rounded, alternate leaves 1/2-to-1 inch in size. The plants stand 1 to 2 inches high. The white seed coat might be attached to the edge of one of the leaves, but it falls off within a day or two. Pumpkin plants grow quickly, growing true leaves within a week or two.

Planting Conditions

• Pumpkin seeds germinate best when soil temperatures are between 70 and 95 F. Start the seeds indoors six to eight weeks before the last frost and store them in a warm location, such as a radiator or the top of the refrigerator. Plant pumpkin seeds outdoors after the last frost. Plant them 1 inch deep in garden soil in full sun and keep the soil evenly moist, but not soggy.

Later Growth

• Given proper care, pumpkins grow quickly, forming long, sprawling vines, yellow flowers and pumpkin fruits. Pumpkins have both male and female flowers, which bees pollinate. The female flowers are distinguished from the male flowers by a small bump at the bloom's base. This bump later becomes a pumpkin. Young pumpkin fruit start out as small, green globes, but quickly grow to their mature size. They begin ripening in late summer to early fall.

Considerations

• Pumpkins need at least 20 square feet per plant and preferably more, although compact varieties need less room. Pumpkins also need a long, warm, growing season to ripen. In Northern climates with a short growing season, start pumpkins indoors and lay black plastic mulch over the soil. The mulch warms the soil, hastening growth and conserving moisture.