Floydada’s Pumpkin Power: Inside ‘Pumpkin Capital USA’
Just about an hour northeast of Lubbock sits a town that takes its pumpkins seriously. Of course, I'm talking about Floydada, Texas — proudly known as Pumpkin Capital USA. Every fall, this quiet High Plains town bursts to life with bright orange fields, roadside stands, and enough pumpkin energy to fuel all of West Texas! (It's also the hometown of my sweet mom!)
So, how did Floydada earn such a festive title? It’s all about the land. The area’s dry climate, low humidity, and sandy loam soil make it perfect for growing pumpkins of every kind. Whether you’re carving a jack-o-lantern, baking a pie, or decorating your porch, there’s a good chance that pumpkin came straight from Floydada.
Farms That Built a Legacy
Two local powerhouses — Assiter Punkin Ranch and Pumpkin Pyle — help keep Floydada’s pumpkin reputation thriving. Between them, they grow hundreds of varieties, from classic orange to rare white, red, and even pink pumpkins. It’s like a painter’s palette of fall colors stretching across the Texas plains.
READ MORE: Lubbock Drivers Think They’re Great—But Most Would Fail This Test
According to the Texas Farm Bureau, some of the biggest pumpkins grown on the Assiter farm come from the aptly named “Prizewinner” variety. These massive gourds can tip the scales at 200 pounds or more — and in some cases, close to 300 pounds, according to Texas Highways.
But while Floydada could easily compete with the best of them, locals say it’s not just about growing giants — it’s about volume and variety. The focus here is on filling trailers, trucks, and front porches all over Texas with pumpkins in every shape and size.
Fall Fun Just Down the Road from Lubbock
Every October, Floydada celebrates Punkin Days, a festival that draws visitors from all over West Texas (and even from around the state) for a day of live music, craft vendors, and of course — pumpkins everywhere you look.
READ MORE: Hey, Lubbock! Stop Cutting the Top Off Your Pumpkin - Here's Why
If you make the short drive from Lubbock, be sure to stop by The Jackrabbit Grill in nearby Ralls for lunch, and wander through Pumpkin Pyle or Assiter Punkin Ranch for some picture-perfect fall memories.
Whether you’re hunting for the perfect carving pumpkin or just want that small-town Texas charm, Floydada’s pumpkin magic is worth the trip!
Where is the best place to get coffee in Lubbock?
Gallery Credit: Landon King
If someone’s never been to Lubbock, what’s the first local food spot you take them to impress them?
Gallery Credit: Landon King