Introduction
The Stardew Valley Pumpkin Crop Guide highlights the pumpkin as one of the most valuable crops in the game, offering farmers an excellent opportunity to boost their profits. As a fall-exclusive crop, pumpkins can only be grown during this season, making them a key part of the autumn farming strategy. Pumpkins take 13 days to grow to full maturity, and once harvested, they provide a significant amount of gold, making them a worthwhile investment. Beyond their financial benefits, pumpkins are versatile in several ways. They are used in various recipes, such as pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup, which are useful for restoring energy or as gifts for villagers.
In fact, pumpkins are a highly sought-after gift by many villagers, making them a great option for improving relationships. Many quests during the fall also involve pumpkins, giving them added value in the game. The pumpkin’s usefulness doesn’t stop there; during the fall season, they can be carved into festive decorations to enhance the seasonal atmosphere. Additionally, with the right care and enough space, pumpkins can grow into giant crops, providing an even greater reward when harvested. Whether for profit, gifting, cooking, or decoration, the Stardew Valley Pumpkin Crop Guide reveals that pumpkins are a crucial and multipurpose crop to grow in the game.
Basic Information
Pumpkins are a high-value fall crop in Stardew Valley, known for their profitability and versatility. They can only be grown during the fall season, which makes them an essential crop to focus on during this time. There are multiple ways to acquire pumpkin seeds in the game. Players can purchase them from Pierre’s General Store for 100g, or from JojaMart at a slightly higher price of 125g.
For those who prefer a more unpredictable shopping experience, the Traveling Cart sells pumpkin seeds at prices ranging from 150g to 1,000g, depending on the stock. Gunther at the Museum also plays a role in acquiring pumpkin seeds, rewarding players with 9 seeds once they have donated 35 items to the museum. If you venture into the Skull Cavern, treasure rooms may contain anywhere from 5 to 20 pumpkin seeds, providing a useful source if you’re exploring the depths.
Once planted, pumpkins take 13 days to grow from seed to harvest. Each plant produces one pumpkin, which can be sold for a base price of 320g. Pumpkins of silver and gold quality increase in value, selling for 400g and 480g, respectively. If processed into artisan goods, pumpkins can be sold for 720g, or 1,008g with the Artisan profession, significantly increasing their profit potential. Although pumpkins are highly profitable, they provide no energy or health when consumed, so they aren’t a great food source. However, they are widely loved by many villagers and can be given as gifts to build relationships, adding another layer of value.
Pumpkins have an interesting and unique feature in the game: they have the chance to grow into giant crops if planted in a 3×3 grid. This requires careful planning and space, but growing a giant pumpkin can result in a larger yield and an even bigger reward. Giant crops not only look impressive but are also a valuable asset. Beyond their monetary value, pumpkins are essential for various fall-themed recipes, such as pumpkin pie and pumpkin soup, making them useful for energy restoration or gifting.
Overall, pumpkins are a top-tier crop in Stardew Valley, providing a solid profit of 16.9 gold per day and a high base selling price compared to most other crops, second only to the Starfruit. Their multiple uses, including gifts, recipes, and potential giant crops, make them a must-have for any farmer aiming to maximize their fall harvest and overall farm success.
Growing Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a highly valuable crop in Stardew Valley, and they are grown from Pumpkin Seeds, which must be planted during the Fall season. These seeds can be purchased from several sources, including Pierre’s General Store, JojaMart, and the Traveling Cart, or they can be obtained through Gunther at the Museum once you’ve donated 35 items. Additionally, Pumpkin Seeds can occasionally be found in treasure rooms in the Skull Caverns, providing an alternative method of acquiring them. Once you plant the seeds, they take 13 days to fully mature, so it’s important to plan your planting carefully to ensure you get the most out of your harvest.
To help speed up the growth process, you can use a variety of fertilizers. Speed-Gro fertilizer will make your pumpkins grow 10% faster, which can be useful if you’re trying to get an earlier harvest. If you want to accelerate the growth even more, Deluxe Speed-Gro fertilizer will reduce the growing time by 25%. For those seeking the fastest possible growth, Hyper Speed-Gro fertilizer increases the growth rate by 33%. Additionally, if you choose the Agriculturist Profession, your crops, including pumpkins, will grow 10% faster, which can make a significant difference in the time it takes for your pumpkins to mature.
An exciting feature of pumpkins is their ability to grow into giant crops, but only under the right conditions. To achieve a giant pumpkin, you need to plant them in a 3×3 grid. While this grid size is the minimum requirement, the larger the grid, the better the chance that your pumpkins will grow into a giant crop. For example, a 4×12 grid offers many opportunities for pumpkins to turn into giant ones. Growing giant crops is not only fun but also highly rewarding, as they yield much more than a regular pumpkin and can be sold for a higher profit.
Because pumpkins take 13 days to grow, they are considered a mid-to-late season crop. This means that if you receive a quest, such as the “Carving Pumpkins” quest, on Fall 19, you may need to use fertilizers to grow a pumpkin in time for the quest’s deadline. Fertilizers, especially the more potent ones, will help ensure that your pumpkin is ready by the required date, saving you time and allowing you to complete the quest successfully. Whether you’re looking to grow pumpkins for profit, gifting, or fulfilling quests, understanding how to use fertilizers, the Agriculturist Profession, and the potential for giant crops can help you make the most out of this valuable fall crop.
Uses for Pumpkins
Pumpkins are a versatile crop in Stardew Valley, with a variety of uses that contribute to their value beyond just being a source of income. One of the most popular uses for pumpkins is gifting. They are loved by a few villagers, including Abigail, Krobus, and Willy, and liked by many others such as Alex, Caroline, Clint, Demetrius, Dwarf, Elliott, Emily, Evelyn, George, Gus, Harvey, Jodi, Kent, Leah, Leo, Lewis, Linus, Marnie, Maru, Pam, Penny, Pierre, Robin, Sandy, Sebastian, Shane, and the Wizard. However, some villagers, like Haley, Jas, Sam, and Vincent, dislike pumpkins, so they should be avoided as gifts for these characters.
In addition to gifting, pumpkins play an important role in several bundles. They are required in the Fall Crops Bundle in the Pantry and are also part of the Quality Crops Bundle, where five gold-quality pumpkins are needed. Pumpkins are also a key ingredient in several cooking recipes, including Autumn’s Bounty, which requires 1 Yam and 1 Pumpkin; Pumpkin Pie, which needs 1 Pumpkin, 1 Wheat Flour, 1 Milk, and 1 Sugar; and Pumpkin Soup, which requires 1 Pumpkin and 1 Milk. These recipes provide various benefits, including restoring energy and health.
Pumpkins are also used in crafting, where they can be turned into Jack-O-Lanterns by combining 1 Pumpkin and 1 Torch. Additionally, pumpkins have a role in tailoring. When used with Cloth in the Sewing Machine, they create a dyeable Button Down Shirt. Pumpkins can also be used as an orange dye in the Sewing Machine or in the orange dye pot at Emily’s and Haley’s house, allowing players to customize their clothing with this vibrant color.
Quests also frequently request pumpkins. For example, the “Carving Pumpkins” quest is given by Caroline, who requests a pumpkin by mail on Fall 19. Completing this quest rewards you with 500 gold and 1 Friendship heart. Pumpkins may also appear on the “Help Wanted” board outside Pierre’s General Store during Fall, offering a reward of 960 gold and 150 Friendship points.
Finally, pumpkins are featured prominently during the Spirit’s Eve festival. Jack-O-Lanterns can be purchased for 750g each, and the Jack-O-Lantern recipe is available for 2,000g. The Golden Pumpkin, a special item, is awarded for completing the Haunted Maze. This item can be sold for 2,500g, gifted as a universally loved item, or used to craft a Witch Hat. Overall, pumpkins are a multifunctional and valuable crop that enhances various aspects of gameplay in Stardew Valley.
Carving Pumpkins
The “Carving Pumpkins” quest is a story quest in Stardew Valley that is received by mail from Caroline on Fall 19 of the first year. Caroline, who is married to Pierre and helps run the General Store in Pelican Town, sends a letter requesting a pumpkin from the player’s farm. The purpose of the quest is for Caroline to carve the pumpkin with her daughter Abigail in time for Spirit’s Eve, and it helps deepen the relationship between the two characters.
Because the quest is received late in the season, there may not be enough time to grow a pumpkin before the end of Fall if you haven’t already planted one. Pumpkins take 13 days to grow, so if you haven’t planted one, you will need to either buy seeds or grow one quickly with the help of fertilizers. Using Speed-Gro will reduce the growing time to around 11 days, Deluxe Speed-Gro will bring it down to approximately 9 days, and Hyper Speed-Gro will allow the pumpkin to grow in about 8 days, giving you a better chance of completing the quest on time.
If you don’t have a pumpkin ready, you can buy Pumpkin Seeds from Pierre’s General Store for 100g or JojaMart for 125g. Sometimes, the Traveling Cart will sell Pumpkin Seeds for prices ranging from 150g to 1,000g, or you can find seeds in the treasure rooms of the Skull Caverns. Once your pumpkin is ready, you must deliver it to Caroline, who can be found in the kitchen of Pierre’s General Store every day at 8 AM, except Sundays. Caroline spends most of her time at the store or wandering around the main square.
The reward for completing the quest is 500 gold and 1 Friendship Heart with Caroline. It’s a good idea to grow several pumpkins in case one doesn’t fully mature before the end of the month, ensuring you have one ready for delivery. While this quest doesn’t have strict time restrictions, most players try to complete it as soon as possible to earn the rewards and build a stronger relationship with Caroline.
Spirit’s Eve Festival
The Spirit’s Eve Festival is a Fall event in Stardew Valley, taking place on Fall 27. It serves as the game’s version of Halloween, featuring spooky decorations, a haunted maze, and the chance to obtain the coveted Golden Pumpkin. The festival occurs at the Town Center and begins between 10 PM and 11:40 PM. If you arrive after 11:50 PM, you will not be able to participate. Leaving the festival will return you to your farm at midnight.
The festival is known for its eerie atmosphere, with skeletons and other spooky decorations scattered around. It is believed that the Wizard is responsible for setting up the event. One of the main attractions is the Haunted Maze, a maze filled with creepy decorations and a few villagers who are afraid of it, such as Jas and Vincent.
To complete the maze, you need to follow a specific path. Start by “keeping left” to avoid getting lost. Along the way, you will encounter Abigail, who is frightened by spiders, and Sam, who is stuck at a dead end. Look for a signpost with a question mark, and then enter a cave, which can be navigated either by using a glow ring or by feeling your way through. At the end of the maze, you will find the Golden Pumpkin.
The Golden Pumpkin is a rare item that can be sold for 2,500g. It is also a universally loved gift, making it a valuable item to give to villagers. Additionally, you can use the Golden Pumpkin with cloth in the Sewing Machine to create a Witch Hat, adding another unique item to your wardrobe.
Pierre’s Shop has a special booth during the festival, where you can purchase exclusive items. These include Jack-O-Lanterns (5 for 750g), a Jack-O-Lantern recipe for 2,000g, Rarecrow #2 for 5,000g, a Grave Stone for 350g, and a Funky Rug for 4,000g.
The Spirit’s Eve Festival is considered Pelican Town’s Halloween celebration, and it also features a full moon, adding to the spooky ambiance. During the festival, the Abandoned House replaces the Joja Warehouse on the right side of the town map, contributing to the eerie setting. Overall, the Spirit’s Eve Festival is a fun and unique event that offers plenty of opportunities for rewards and enjoyment, from the Haunted Maze to the exclusive items available for purchase.
Profitability
Pumpkins are a valuable and versatile crop in Stardew Valley, offering both high base sell prices and the potential to grow into giant crops. While they might not be the absolute most profitable fall crop, their solid return on investment, combined with their multiple uses, makes them a great choice for any farmer. The base sell price for pumpkins is 320g, and pumpkins of higher quality—such as silver and gold—can sell for 400g and 480g, respectively.
If the player has selected the Artisan profession, the sell price can rise to 720g for base quality pumpkins and 1008g for the gold quality, greatly boosting their profitability. Pumpkins are an affordable crop to grow, with pumpkin seeds costing 100g at Pierre’s General Store and 125g at JojaMart. The base profit for each pumpkin is 220g, which increases to 300g for a silver quality pumpkin and 380g for a gold quality one, making them highly rewarding when grown with care.
The profit per day from pumpkins is approximately 16.9g, calculated by dividing the total profit by the number of days it takes for them to grow. Though pumpkins aren’t the most profitable fall crop—cranberries are generally considered more profitable per day—they still stand out due to their high base price. After Starfruit, pumpkins have the second-highest per unit base price of all normal crops. Other fall crops, like artichokes, can also provide good daily profits, though they typically aren’t as valuable in total profit as pumpkins. Additionally, crops like corn can be more profitable if grown over multiple seasons, but pumpkins thrive in fall with their one-time harvest.
An exciting feature of pumpkins is their potential to grow into giant crops, provided they are planted in a 3×3 grid. This requires a bit of luck, but when pumpkins grow into a giant form, they yield significantly more, thus increasing profitability. However, this giant crop occurrence is random, and farmers cannot fully rely on it for their profits.
To maximize pumpkin profitability, players can use fertilizers such as Speed-Gro, Deluxe Speed-Gro, and Hyper Speed-Gro. These fertilizers reduce the time needed for pumpkins to grow, leading to more harvests within a season. The Agriculturist profession also boosts the growth speed of all crops, including pumpkins, by 10%, which can contribute to additional harvests and higher profits.
In addition to their monetary value, pumpkins are highly versatile in Stardew Valley. They can be used in cooking recipes, helping to create dishes that restore energy and health or provide buffs. Pumpkins are also needed in various bundles at the Community Center, contributing to the player’s progress toward completing the bundles and unlocking rewards. Additionally, pumpkins are required for quests, such as the “Carving Pumpkins” quest where Caroline requests a pumpkin for the Spirit’s Eve festival.
In conclusion, pumpkins are a solid and profitable crop in the fall, offering a balance of high base price, versatility, and growth potential. While they may not always be the highest profit maker, their ability to become giant crops, their multiple uses in recipes and quests, and their presence in the Community Center bundles make them an invaluable asset on the farm. By combining smart farming techniques, fertilizers, and proper crop management, pumpkins can be a great crop to include on any farm.
