Pumpkin Picking Days in Groningen

To be completely honest, the first time I ever saw pumpkins in a field was on the island of Kythira in Greece. It was a kind of 'eureka' moment—the beauty of nature is truly amazing! I don’t know much about them, but now that we can almost smell autumn, it’s time to dive into the world of pumpkins. And… can you actually pick pumpkins in Groningen? Let’s find out!

Pumpkins in Groningen

Every year, a fun pumpkin market is organized at the Hofje van Harkstede. Come by this pumpkin paradise and its cozy market. You’ll find over 250 untreated edible pumpkins in all shapes and sizes. Special carving sets are available so you can create the funniest or scariest Halloween pumpkins at home.

What is a Pumpkin?

Pumpkins are part of the Cucurbitaceae family—alongside melons, gourds, and cucumbers. They originally come from North America and can grow very large. Whether they still taste good at that size, I couldn’t say.

The Largest Pumpkin in the World

The largest pumpkin in the world was grown in 2023 by Travis Gienger from Anoka, Minnesota, USA. This massive pumpkin weighed an incredible 1,247 kg and was nicknamed 'Michael Jordan.' The contest was the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off. I think that’s hilarious! Similar competitions are also held in Europe.

The Largest Pumpkin in the Netherlands

In 2023, the Dutch Championship Pumpkin Growing took place in Eindhoven: NK Pompoen Kweken. The Dutch champion was Luc Vanheuckelom with a pumpkin weighing 839 kg. Read more.

Pumpkin as a Symbol of Autumn

Pumpkins have become a symbol of autumn. Right now, you’ll find the best pumpkin decorations in supermarkets and flower shops. In the US, pumpkins are carved into 'Jack-O-Lanterns' for Halloween, while children go trick-or-treating. In the Netherlands, Halloween is less widespread—Saint Martin’s Day is more popular for kids, especially in Groningen with hollowed-out sugar beets instead of pumpkins.

How Does a Pumpkin Grow?

Pumpkins grow best in a temperate climate with warm summers and plenty of sunlight. They need 75–100 days to fully grow and cannot tolerate frost. In the Netherlands, pumpkins are usually sown between late April and June.

When to Harvest a Pumpkin?

Pumpkins are typically harvested in autumn, between September and October. They’re ready when they have a deep, even color, a corky stem, and a firm skin. If it sounds hollow when you knock, it’s harvest time.

How to Pick a Pumpkin?

Use pruning shears or a knife to cut pumpkins from the plant, leaving about 5 cm of stem. Don’t just pull it off, or it may spoil quickly.

When Can You Pick Pumpkins in Groningen?

You can pick pumpkins during the Pumpkin Picking Days in Groningen. But there are more fun pumpkin spots to visit!

Pumpkin Picking Days Groningen 2025

In Oostwold, at the educational farm Nieuwlandse Akker, you can harvest your own pumpkins during the Pumpkin Picking Days Groningen. The pumpkin picking days in Oostwold will take place on October 4 and 5, 2025. Admission is free (pumpkin field and regional market with 35 stalls). Kids can carve and decorate pumpkins for a small fee. If you want to take a pumpkin home, you’ll need to pay for it.

October 4, 2025: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
October 5, 2025: 10:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Address Nieuwlandse Akker: Huningaweg 19, Oostwold (Oldambt)

The Pumpkin Barn in Kiel-Windeweer

A must-visit if you want plenty of choice in decorative and edible pumpkins: The Pumpkin Barn in Kiel-Windeweer. Visit on Facebook. Open daily between 10:00 and 17:00 at Dorpsstraat 242. In 2023, RTV Noord visited the Pumpkin Barn:

Mikkelhorst Care Farm

A smaller location for pumpkin picking is Mikkelhorst Care Farm. They have a picking garden with pumpkins, cucumbers, lettuce, tomatoes, and fruit. There’s also a small petting zoo for kids.

Carving Pumpkins with Kids

The Groninger Landscape in Midwolda is organizing a fun autumn activity for children aged 6 to 12. On October 22, 2025, starting at 2:30 PM, kids can carve and decorate a pumpkin. Spaces are limited, so sign up quickly. More info: Pumpkin Carving.

Pumpkin Farms in the Netherlands

There are quite a few pumpkin farms across the Netherlands. If you’re planning a trip, check out this overview: 18 Pumpkin Farms in the Netherlands.

Best Pumpkin Recipes

I love spicy pumpkin soup, so I’ll definitely be making some soon! We’ll finish this pumpkin post with a list of our favorite pumpkin recipes. Hopefully, we’ve inspired you to pick your own pumpkin during the Pumpkin Picking Days in Groningen! Who knows, maybe you’ll cook one of these recipes with your own freshly picked pumpkin: 10x Pumpkin Recipes.