- 1). Observe the seed bed. Between the seventh and the 14th day, a green sprout comes up from the ground. This is the start of your pumpkin vine. Within a day or so of sprouting, two leaves unfold from the stem. This indicates a successful sprouting of your pumpkin seed.
- 2). Watch for a yellow flower approximately 10 weeks after the first leaves appear. Yellow flowers indicate the second stage of growth, which is the blooming of flowers. Each plant has a male flower and a female flower. The flowers pollinate to create the pumpkin gourd.
- 3). Look for small green gourds or nodules on the stems directly below the flower. Round green gourds are the start of pumpkins. At this point, the pumpkin grows quickly, turns orange and starts to resemble the familiar pumpkin. This time frame varies depending on soil conditions, hydration and pruning techniques. You know your pumpkins are ready for harvest when you cannot press your thumbnail through the rind or outer shell of the pumpkin.
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