How to Grow Pumpkins Vertically

Fall wouldn’t be the same without bright orange pumpkins, but not everyone has an expansive garden space to grow their own. At least, that’s what you might have been told in the past. But did you know you can grow pumpkins vertically? That’s right. Their sprawling vines are more than happy to climb a trellis – and you don’t have to stick to the tiniest varieties, either. Read through our guide below to learn how to grow pumpkins vertically in even the smallest of backyard spaces.

See more: How to Make a Pumpkin Planter for Your Front Porch This Fall

Benefits of Growing Pumpkins Vertically

The biggest reason gardeners opt to grow pumpkins vertically is space. If you’re trying to grow them somewhere that’s low on space, such as in an urban garden or small suburban backyard, you simply have to think outside the box and utilize upward space. Another perk of vertically gardening, specifically when it comes to pumpkins, is better air circulation. And where there is better airflow for growing plants, there are fewer diseases.

Which Pumpkin Varieties Grow Vertically?

Before you head to the garden center armed with dreams of pumpkins galore, decide which varieties you want to grow. The size of the pumpkin you pick will determine the structure you need to build or buy before you get started.

Small pumpkin varieties, such as the Jack-Be-Little or Baby Boo, will grow just about anywhere as long as they are under 5 pounds. But if you want to wander into larger pumpkin territory (we’re talking anything over 5 pounds), you need to get a little more creative. To grow varieties like the Mammoth Gold, which averages between 40 and 60 pounds, you’ll have to stick to growing them on the ground, as most frames and trellises won’t be able to support their weight.

See more: 10 Pumpkin Varieties and How to Use Them

Small Pumpkin Varieties to Grow Vertically:

• Small Sugar
• Cotton Candy
• Jack-Be-Little
• Galaxy of Stars

Large Pumpkin Varieties to Grow Vertically:

• Autumn Gold
• Mischief
• Sanchez
• Progress

Determine Your Support Structure

Gardening tends to be as simple or as complicated as you want it to be, and the same rule applies to growing pumpkins vertically.

If you want to keep things simple, start with the smaller varieties and work with an existing structure, such as a fence or trellis. If you don’t have a fence or trellis on your property, you can purchase one or build your own. It can be as simple as hammering two T-posts into the ground and running chicken wire around them.

To go a more elaborate route, you can construct a more aesthetic structure, such as a teepee trellis with thick poles knotted together with rope at the top. Just make sure to get poles you can drive deep into the ground to support the weight of your growing pumpkins.

See more: 9 Creative Ways to Garden in Small Spaces

Vertical Pumpkin Growing: Step-by-Step Instructions

Once you’ve determined your structure and put it in place, follow these simple steps:

1. Wait until the last frost of the year is over and the soil is warm.
2. Work rich, organic compost into the ground where you want to plant. Be sure to work it low enough into the ground that the pumpkin roots will benefit from its nutrients.
3. Plant your pumpkin seeds an inch deep at the base of your support structure, making sure to space each plant at least 12 inches apart.
4. Once the seeds begin to sprout and produce tendrils (small, wiry looking shoots), gently wrap the tendrils around the structure (the chicken wire or fence post, for example).
5. Keep an eye on the pumpkins as they grow and be prepared to provide additional support for varieties larger than a few pounds.
6. If your pumpkins need extra help to prevent the structure from collapsing, make a hammock using an old cloth or towel and tie it beneath the growing pumpkin on both sides, which will allow the pumpkin to rest inside as it grows.

See more: Pumpkin Carving Tips for Gorgeous Gourds

Harvesting Vertical Pumpkins

Your seed packet will provide a rough estimate of when your pumpkins will be ready to harvest, but many small varieties are ready within 10 to 15 weeks of planting. When the allotted time has passed, give them a gentle thump with your knuckles to see if they sound hollow. If so, they’re ready to be picked.

Once picked, your pumpkins should be stored in a cool, dry place. Some experts suggest storing them upside down on cardboard if you want to keep them in long-term storage for cooking. Otherwise, you can use them for autumn decor as soon as you cut them from the vine.