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Growing Pumpkin

(Cucurbita sp.)

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
  S S   P              

(Best months for planting Pumpkin in USA - Zone 5a regions)

S = Plant undercover in seed trays. P = Plant direct in garden where they are to grow.


  • Easy to grow. Sow in garden. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 35 - 47 inches apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks.
  • Compatible with: Sweet Corn
  • Avoid growing with: Potatoes
  • Pumpkin on vine

Your comments and tips

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27 Mar 13, Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
PLease can you tell me why our pumpkin vines had know flowers consequently no fruit. suspect the soil not rich enough for them.
20 Apr 13, S Young (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Some pumpkins have male and female flowers...too much of one or the other or no pollination can cause flowers to die and no fruit. I also found with some of mine that a few really hot days and direct sun in the afternoon (west) that they cannot cope.
29 Mar 13, Forest Hill (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Anne - how long is the vine? Sometimes pumpkins put all their energy into growing and not into flowers. Try nipping off the terminal buds (ends) of each vine so they stop growing and they will put out flowers, although I suspect its too late in the season to do that now. the other thing to do it hceck if you have too much nitrogen (manure), which generates leafy growth. Try spreading some potassium (banana skins) around the base.
25 Mar 13, Laurie Thompson (Australia - temperate climate)
Windsor Black Pumpkin . Sylvia Allen did you have any luck with the Windsor Black Pumpkin for I want some seeds . This is a heritage pumpkin and was the Pumpkin emblem of Victoria . Herronswood ( Diggers also want this pumpkin seed . Did Karen have any success Laurie
29 Mar 13, Sylvia Allan (Australia - arid climate)
Dear Laurie, I had a really good vine and it was flowering male flowers first the female flowers were just forming, then came the rain 8 inches in a week our whole property was flooded & all my pumpkins rotted though I had harvested 50 varieties. Windsor black among other varieties that take 120 days, I lost, I was devastated because I didn't have anymore seed.Sorry Any one out there who can supply me some seed I would be ever so grateful, & pay well of course. Sylvia Allan.
25 Mar 13, JoeW (Australia - temperate climate)
I think the 'Pumpkin on vine' in the picture has detached from the vine. Also I would like to know where to get some Windsor Black pumpkin seeds Thanks
27 Mar 13, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
The pumpkin is still attached to the vine. It was in Chris's garden at the time. The mark you can see is the flower end.
15 Mar 13, LilChicken (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Linda. I grew some last year and harvested when the fruit had turned yellow all over. Also, the skin should be hard enough that if you press your fingernail against it, there is no mark on the fruit. Kept in a cool place, they can keep for quite a few months after harvesting. Enjoy!
13 Mar 13, Linda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Would anyone know about growing Vegetable Spaghetti, I am growing it for the first time and have had success, but I am not sure how you determine when they are ready to come off the vine. Thanks.
11 Mar 13, Allan (Australia - temperate climate)
We live at Ballarat, Vic. How long do QLD Grey pumpkins take to flower after planting? We have heaps of vines but no sign of flowers.

Post a question, comment or tip about Pumpkin

Hi Kev, I have tried milk with a few drops of natural liquid soap and that works quite well, if there only a few spots on each leaf. I have also read that neem oil is good, but haven't tried that yet. This year I had little time so I just cut off the worst affected leaves and treated the rest and that seems to have worked fairly well. But, I am no expert, just my experience so far. Good luck, Sharon

- Sharon


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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.

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