How to Plant the Inside of a Pumpkin Seed

Inside of a pumpkin seed is the nut that will grow into a new pumpkin.

Pumpkins are a warm weather squash that is native to North America. They need a long growing season, from 120 to 150 days in which to fully grow. Plant pumpkin seeds once the soil temperature warms to at least 70 degrees Fahrenheit, or the pumpkin seeds won't germinate, according to the University of Illinois. Pumpkin seeds are made up of a shell and the inner nut that germinates to grow a pumpkin.

Things You'll Need

• Rake
• Compost

Instructions

1. Rake any rocks or weeds out of the area in which you want to plant the pumpkin seeds. They require full sun and well drained soil in which to grow. Add 3 to 4 inches of compost to the top of the soil and work it into the soil to a depth of 8 to 10 inches.

2. Build up hills of soil between 6 and 8 inches tall. Space the hills 5 to 6 feet apart. Dig a 1-inch-deep hole in the top of the hills.

3. Place five or six inner pumpkin seeds into the hole and cover them with soil.

4. Water the hills well for 3 to 5 minutes.

References

• Pumpkin Nook: Pumpkin Seed Germination
• University of Illinois: Growing Pumpkins
• Pumpkin Nook: Anatomy of a Pumpkin