Verified answer

They don't 'have' to be planted on a mound; they do quite well planted in a flat space as long as the soil has warmed (pumpkins like heat). That is the reason for creating the mounds; it helps the soil stay warmer in the root zone since the soil there is only a couple of feet across and a few inches tall. It also helps with drainage since it is a miniature raised bed. Either way works just fine as long as there is adequate moisture, fertilize and sunshine available.

Good luck and enjoy!

They are planted on a MOUND....not mount. Anyway, any 'squash or melon' type plant - must be planted on a MOUND.