Growing Pumpkins in Containers Indoors: 5 Helpful Steps

Last Updated on November 9, 2022 by Cristina

Pumpkins are not only great for decorations but also for eating as well. Growing pumpkins in containers indoors is a great option if you don’t have enough space outdoors or if you don’t live in the right climate. Growing pumpkins is fun and a great activity the whole family will enjoy.

With the proper care and the right steps, you can successfully grow pumpkins indoors in containers. They are great plants to grow and there are different varieties that you can choose from. While it may take some time and effort, the results of beautiful orange pumpkins are well worth the work.

All About Pumpkins

Pumpkins are a type of winter squash that is a favorite to grow among ambitious gardeners. They have been grown in North America for almost 5,000 years.

While pumpkins are most commonly orange, they can also be white, red, pink, and blue. In addition, the rinds can be smooth, bumpy, oval, flattened, or round.

Pumpkins are a low-growing vining annual. They produce large, coarse leaves and the pumpkins can vary largely in size depending on the variety.

Pumpkins need at least 75-120 days of frost-free weather in order to mature. They are most commonly grown in gardens.

All About Pumpkins

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Can You Grow Pumpkin In A Pot?

With the right variety of pumpkins and a large enough pot, you can successfully grow one in a container.

When growing pumpkins in a pot, you want to choose a variety that won’t get too big. Miniature pumpkins such as Jack Be Little and We-B-Little are great options for growing in containers. Spooktacular, Baby Bear, Baby Pam, and Small Sugar are also great varieties to grow in containers.

Growing Pumpkins In Containers Indoors

After choosing an appropriate variety of pumpkins to grow indoors, you can start the growing process. You will need time and patience, but with the right steps, you can successfully grow your pumpkins indoors.

Learning how to grow pumpkin seeds indoors is a great activity the whole family can get involved in. With the right soil blend and a large enough container, pumpkins can thrive.

Prepare Seed Cells

Prepare a container or seed cells with fertile potting soil. For best results, add some compost to your potting soil. Moisten your soil with a spray bottle to prepare it for seeds.

Plant Your Pumpkin Seeds – Growing Pumpkins in Containers Indoors

Place your pumpkin seeds about 1/2-inch deep and cover them with your potting soil. Spray the soil to moisten it.

Water Frequently And Place In A Sunny Location

Place your pumpkin seeds in an area where they will get at least six hours of sunlight a day. If you do not have an area this sunny in your home then you can use an LED grow light.

Water your pumpkins frequently to keep the soil moist but not soggy. The soil temperature should be around 70 degrees Farenheit or warmer. If your home is chilly, you may want to use a heating pad.

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Growing Pumpkins in Containers Indoors

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Transplant To Large Container

Once your pumpkins are well-established and are about two inches tall, it is time to transplant them. You should move them to a large container that is about 20 to 25 gallons with good drainage. Ideally, the pot should be clay.

To help support your pumpkin plant, you may want to add dowel rods. The pumpkin vines will then grow on the rods.

Pollinate The Pumpkins – Growing Pumpkins in Containers Indoors

Since you are growing your pumpkins indoors without bees or other insects pollinating your plants, you will need to do it yourself. To do this, you will first need to be able to identify the difference between the male blossoms and the female blossoms.

Male blossoms are longer and thinner, with the appearance of trumpets. The males have a stamen on the inside of the blossom. Female blossoms, on the other hand, are wider and shorter, with a more open appearance and no stamens in them.

Use a clean paintbrush to carefully collect the pollen from the male blossoms. Then, use the brush to gently touch the pollen to the base of the female blossom. After pollinating, make sure your pumpkin has enough light and that you water it regularly.

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Caring For Pumpkins

Knowing how to grow pumpkins indoors is key to a bountiful harvest. You need to provide them with the right conditions as well as pollinate them yourself.

Light

Pumpkins need at least six hours of light a day. You should turn your pumpkin plants slightly once per week to keep their growing symmetrical. If you do not have an area of your home that gets at least six hours of sunlight you can place your pumpkin, use an LED grow light.

Water – Growing Pumpkins in Containers Indoors

Pumpkins should receive one to two inches of water a week, especially during the growing season. If possible, use drip irrigation or ground-level soaking to water your pumpkins.

Soil

Pumpkins need rich, loamy soil that is well-draining. For best results, you should mix organic matter such as compost into your soil to feed your pumpkins.

Fertilizer

In order to grow large, pumpkins need to be fed every two weeks. Use a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 10-5-5 ratio, when the pumpkins are first growing. When they begin to blossom, switch to a high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizer, such as a 5-15-15 ratio.

Temperature And Humidity – Growing Pumpkins in Containers Indoors

Pumpkins should be grown in temperatures between 65 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They do not do well in very humid environments as this can cause fungal diseases.

Growing Pumpkins In Containers Indoors: Can You Grow Pumpkins Indoors?

Growing pumpkins is a great challenge for any gardener. Fortunately, with the right steps, you can successfully grow pumpkins indoors in containers.

You will need a large clay pot, such as 20 or 25 gallons, to grow your pumpkin plant. Your plant will need at least six hours of sun, soil rich in organic matter, and plenty of water. In addition, you will also have to pollinate your pumpkin plant yourself.

Do you have any questions regarding growing pumpkins in containers indoors? If so, please ask your questions regarding growing pumpkins indoors in the comments below.

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