Floydada: The Unlikely Pumpkin Capital of the United States

Tucked away in the Texas High Plains, the small town of Floydada—home to just 2,700 people—has become an unlikely leader as the Pumpkin Capital of the United States. While Illinois tops overall pumpkin production, Floydada's expansive fields and crucial role in fueling Halloween traditions have earned it national recognition.

The High Plains region—spanning 41 counties and including Floydada, Dalhart, Muleshoe, and Clovis, New Mexico—produces between 4,000 and 7,000 acres of pumpkins each year. Floydada alone accounts for 1,000 to 1,500 acres annually, yielding over 175 unique varieties. From classic orange jack-o’-lanterns to decorative gourds and heirlooms, Floydada's fields generate millions of pumpkins annually, attracting seasonal visitors and fueling fall festivities nationwide.

Local farms like Pumpkin Pyle and Assiter 'Punkin' Ranch have cemented Floydada’s status as a premier pumpkin source, supplying grocery stores and fall festivals across the country. It's common to see labels reading “Grown in Floydada” on pumpkins in supermarkets and farmers' markets, reinforcing the town’s status as a seasonal staple.

How Did Floydada Become the Pumpkin Capital of the United States?

A trip through Floydada reveals the town’s deep-rooted love for pumpkins. Small pumpkins adorn the city’s welcome sign, with homes and businesses proudly displaying them. Around town, in parking lots at the grocery store, car wash, and hardware shop, statue-sized pumpkins stand as symbols of local pride. Banners and signs throughout the city proclaim Floydada’s title: the “Pumpkin Capital of the U.S.”

Each year, on the second Saturday in October, the town celebrates with a festive gathering in its quaint downtown square. Gourds of all shapes and colors line the streets, while jack-o’-lanterns painted in vibrant orange set the seasonal scene.

The town’s modern pumpkin tradition traces back to the 1950s when B.A. "Uncle Slim" Robertson and his wife began selling pumpkins from a small roadside stand, according to a proclamation archived by the Texas State Legislature. What started as a few acres of pumpkins grew into a thriving industry, peaking in the early 1990s with between 15 and 20 million pumpkins produced annually.

Legend has it that Floyd County’s pumpkin history stretches further back. According to the proclamation, in the 1540s, Spanish explorer Francisco Vázquez de Coronado’s starving expedition was saved by roasted pumpkins offered by native tribes near Blanco Canyon.

By the 1980s, the town had trademarked itself as the Pumpkin Capital of the United States, a title that continues to honor its unique heritage and seasonal influence. It is also the Pumpkin Capital of Texas.