Should You Bother Planting Pumpkin Seeds in November?

As an avid gardener and pumpkin enthusiast, I always have a surplus of seeds in November after carving jack-o-lanterns for Halloween. I’m often tempted to toss the seeds into the garden before winter sets in. But will seeds planted that late in the year amount to anything come spring?

Unfortunately, the general consensus among agricultural experts is that November is too late for planting pumpkin seeds in most regions. While not impossible, seeds sown at the end of autumn face tough odds of thriving. Here’s a closer look at why late fall planting is risky for pumpkin seeds, and what your chances are of success.

Why November is Too Late to Plant Pumpkins

There are a few key reasons why November is not an ideal time to plant pumpkin seeds:

• Germination Requires Warmer Soils – Pumpkin seeds need reasonably warm soil temperatures to germinate, around 60-95°F. By November, soils are too cold.

• Risk of Frost Damage – Even if seeds did sprout, young seedlings could easily die from hard frosts and freezes over winter.

• Limited Growing Season Left – Pumpkins need 80-100+ frost-free days to fully mature, Planting in November leaves insufficient time before winter dormancy

• Overwintering is Difficult – Pumpkin vines and fruits don’t reliably overwinter in most regions, unlike some crops. Winter conditions would likely kill them.

• No “Winter” Pumpkin Varieties – There are no pumpkin cultivars bred specifically for late planting and winter maturity. Standard pumpkin types require a long, warm season.

For these reasons, agricultural experts recommend pumpkins be planted as seedlings in late spring/early summer to yield ripe fruits by autumn. However, some gardeners have managed to succeed with November plantings…

Anecdotal Successes: What the Seed Packets Don’t Say

Some home gardeners report pumpkins sprouting from November seed plantings, contradicting the standard guidance. A few factors may explain these anecdotal successes:

• Milder winters may allow seeds and seedlings to overwinter if protected.

• Seeds may go dormant and remain viable through winter to sprout in spring.

• Some varieties may be more resilient than expected to colder temperatures.

• Microclimates in some gardens may provide sufficient warmth for survival.

However, success is still considered unlikely compared to proper spring planting. If you’re feeling experimental, November seed planting may work in warmer climates or sheltered gardens. But the risks are high of sprouted plants perishing over winter.

Tips to Maximize Chances for Late Fall Planted Pumpkin Seeds

If you insist on trying your luck planting pumpkin seeds in November, here are a few tips to stack the deck in your favor:

• Choose partially self-heated locations like south-facing walls for extra warmth.

• Cover planted seeds with cloches, cold frames, or low poly tunnels for insulation.

• Use black plastic mulch over planting beds to absorb and retain heat.

• Opt for smaller, fast-maturing pumpkin varieties needing 60 days or less.

• Start seeds indoors and transplant out after frosts to avoid seedling loss.

• Provide frost protection like fabric covers for vulnerable seedlings and vines.

• Pinch off buds to prevent fruits forming too early if planting in fall.

Of course, there are still no guarantees of success, and many seeds may fail to thrive planted this late. But with some luck and cold protection measures, you might get a few to germinate!

Enjoy Fresh Seeds Next Season by Properly Storing and Drying

Rather than gamble on late season planting, a better option for seed savers is preserving seeds from Halloween pumpkins to plant next spring. Here’s how:

• Scoop seeds from pumpkins and briefly rinse off pulp strands.

• Spread seeds evenly on paper towels and allow to dry for 1-2 weeks.

• Place dried seeds in a sealed envelope or jar. Store in a cool, dry spot like the refrigerator.

• In spring, presoak saved seeds in water for 24 hours before planting outdoors after danger of frost.

With proper drying, storage, and handling, pumpkin seeds can remain viable for planting for up to a year. Just remember to never plant them outdoors in fall once November hits – spring planting is their key to success!