Similar to other fruits, pumpkins start as seeds that can be planted in warm soil. Within one or two weeks, leaves will emerge from the pale, yellow, triangular-shaped seeds.
After planting the pumpkin seed, two green, leaf-like sprouts will emerge from the soil, which will grow into a mature pumpkin plant.
Around a week following the emergence of the pumpkin sprouts, they begin to grow leaves which develop further over the subsequent weeks.
Following leaf growth, pumpkin plants start to grow and their vines can reach great heights if given enough water and optimal weather conditions, growing up to 6 inches per day.
The male flowers reach maturity before the female flowers, with a gap of around 10 days between their emergence. For pollination to take place, both male and female flowers are required.
When the female flowers shut, a small green pumpkin begins to form, which serves as a clear indicator of successful pollination.
As time goes by, the small green pumpkin grows larger and larger. When it reaches its maximum size, its color begins to change.
When the fruit is fully mature and ready for harvest, the pumpkin vines will begin to turn brown. At this point, you can pick the pumpkins and either cook them for a delicious meal or use them to create your very own Jack-o'-lanterns.
IT’S PUMPKIN PARTY TIME!