Increasing plant populations from 1,211 to 3,628 plants per acre resulted in significantly greater fruit number and yield at both locations and for both varieties. Average fruit size declined at the highest populations.

Increasing row width from 6 feet to 12 feet resulted in a slight, but significant, decrease in number of fruit per hectare, with no effect on other yield parameters. At one location, the effect of row width on yield and number of fruit per hectare depended on the population. At low populations, row width did not influence yield or fruit number; at high populations, wide rows produced lower yield and fewer fruit than narrow rows.

The results demonstrate that growers may increase pumpkin yield by increasing plant populations, but they should use narrower row widths and wider in-row spacing. Growers who choose higher populations should ensure that all inputs are optimized to reduce potential plant-to-plant competition, and use regionally adapted cultivars.