You’ve probably seen it: rows of bright orange pumpkins lined up on hay bales or nestled in straw under a sunny Texas sky. But a question lingers—are these pumpkins actually grown here?
The answer? Yes—but not always. Many pumpkins in Texas patches are locally grown, especially in certain regions. But it’s also common for farms—especially in Central and South Texas—to source pumpkins from other states, often due to growing conditions, scale, or timing.
Here’s what’s really going on behind those picture-perfect fall displays.
🎃 Yes, Pumpkins Are Grown in Texas
Texas grows millions of pounds of pumpkins each year. Most commercial pumpkin farming happens in:
- Floyd County (West Texas) – Often called the Pumpkin Capital of Texas, Floydada and surrounding areas produce a large share of the state’s pumpkins, including jack-o’-lantern and decorative varieties.
- Upper Gulf Coast and Brazos Valley – Small-to-mid-sized growers often plant pumpkins as a seasonal crop rotation.
- North and Central Texas – Some farms grow pumpkins directly on-site for U-pick experiences, though it requires the right soil and space.
According to the USDA, Texas ranks among the top 10 pumpkin-producing states, with over 4,000 acres typically planted each year.¹ However, most of that acreage is concentrated in a few counties with ideal soil, lower humidity, and a longer harvest window.
🚛 Why Some Farms Truck in Pumpkins
If you’re visiting a farm in Central, South, or East Texas, chances are good that at least some of their pumpkins were brought in from other parts of the state—or from out of state altogether.
Here’s why that happens:
- Soil and pest pressure: Pumpkins need well-drained soil and suffer in clay-heavy or waterlogged fields (which are common in parts of Texas).
- Labor and scale: Not every farm has the space or labor to manage an entire pumpkin crop alongside fall events.
- Weather risk: Heavy rain, early heat, and humidity make pumpkin farming tricky in many regions.
- Aesthetic expectations: Perfectly shaped, deeply orange pumpkins are easier to guarantee when sourced from large producers, often out-of-state.
For some farms, buying pumpkins wholesale from Floydada, New Mexico, or even Michigan allows them to create a festive experience without the agricultural risk.
🎃 Curious why not every farm grows their own? Here’s a deeper look at why some pumpkin patches don’t grow pumpkins—and why that’s not always a bad thing.
🧭 How to Tell if a Patch Grows Their Own
Not all farms advertise whether their pumpkins are homegrown—but here are a few clues:
| SignLikely Meaning | |
| U-pick from the vine | Almost always grown on-site |
| Pumpkins stacked in bins or pallets | Often trucked in |
| Wide variety of types/colors | May indicate wholesale sourcing |
| Farm mentions harvest timing or growing conditions | Usually local growers |
| No fields nearby / pumpkins all pre-arranged | Likely display-only patch |
Neither option is inherently better—but it’s helpful to know what kind of experience you’re signing up for.
🌱 What’s the Impact of Trucking Pumpkins In?
For most farms, trucking in pumpkins is a practical and cost-effective way to offer fall fun. But there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Environmental footprint – Pumpkins trucked from out of state increase food miles and fuel use, though the impact is relatively low compared to produce with cold-chain needs.
- Local economy – Buying from a patch that grows its own supports Texas-based agricultural skills and often more diverse, small-scale farming.
- Education value – Farms that grow pumpkins on-site can often explain how they’re planted, when they’re harvested, and what it takes to grow food in Texas soil. That makes a deeper impression—especially for kids.
That said, many farms offering trucked-in pumpkins still work hard to create educational, community-centered experiences. Some combine pumpkins with hayrides, animal visits, or storytelling—creating value beyond the harvest itself.
🎟 Want to Visit a Real Texas Pumpkin Patch?
Whether you’re looking for a working farm or a fall festival, it helps to know what kind of experience you want:
- 🍂 Educational U-pick patch – Ask how and where the pumpkins are grown
- 📸 Fall photo op and display farm – Look for layout and variety
- 🎭 Seasonal event venue – Focus may be on entertainment rather than agriculture
👉 Browse pumpkin patches and farm experiences near you »
Final Thoughts: Know What You’re Visiting
Yes—pumpkins really do grow in Texas. But whether they’re grown on-site or delivered from hundreds of miles away, every pumpkin patch tells a different story.
If you’re visiting a patch this fall, take a moment to ask where the pumpkins came from. You might be surprised by what you learn—and you’ll get more out of the experience knowing the full picture.
Love real farm experiences?
From goats to mushrooms to hands-on classes, we share seasonal things to do near you — and yes, a few pumpkins too.
📬 Join our farm-loving newsletter
