Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S                  
        T              
        P              

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

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed
  • 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 (can grow beside): Sweet Corn
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

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04 Jan 23, Gabriella (Australia - temperate climate)
They haven't been pollinated. Try transferring pollen from male flower to female flower.
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27 Jan 23, Adam (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best method to pollinate? Using a cutip?
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26 Oct 22, JW Connelly (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Can you let myself know how well pumpkins grow in South Canterbury, NZ? Is it possible to grow pumpkins all around N.Z.? JW Connelly
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27 Oct 22, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Select your climate zone, then go to the vegetable you want and then look up the planting guide. NZ cool climate plant Oct to Dec.
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04 Sep 22, Jen (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Hi is sept with warm temps too late to plant pumpkins?
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13 Sep 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
It is about 4 months too late by the guide here. It is not the temps now but what they will be in 4-5months time when the pumpkin are suppose to mature.
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25 Aug 22, Samantha Turner (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi there, I am in Sthn Gold Coast. Am I able to plant a butternut pumpkin in a very large pot (for root growth) and then let the vine trail over into the garden. My soil isn't very good, by using a pot I can buy good quality soil / potting mix. Would this work? Thank you, Sam.
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29 Aug 22, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes it would work - need to water regularly and also fertiliser now and again. Amazing what a little compost and fertiliser can do to poor soil.
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28 Aug 22, marco (Australia - arid climate)
i live on the gold coast .my pumpkin have been growing for a month ,slow growing yet still alive .the ones i have self pollinated are going well. the other i left not so good .try growing zuchinne very rewarding .
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25 May 22, Kylie (Australia - arid climate)
I have a kent pumpkin vine that is producing huge fruit. The vine is still very healthy, but the pumpkins are easily 5kg each already and don't show any signs of slowing their growth. Any tips on when to harvest? I don't want to lose the lot, but i also don't want to pick too early. I live in central QLD and we have had a fair wet season.
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Showing 21 - 30 of 823 comments
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The biggest mistake with pumpkin, beans, peas, corn etc is they are over watered and rot in the soil at planting time. Too much water and high temps cause them to rot. Temperate zone planting is Sept - Dec. To plant in Sept to mid Oct probably requires to have them in a warm place or indoors to germinate. Try and use a light soil/potting mix/seed raising soil. Or even a combo of these with some perlite. You want the soil to drain freely. Prepare your pots or garden soil and give a good watering, then plant the seeds, don't water again until day 4-5 and only lightly. Or another way is to place some paper towel on a plate, put your seeds on the paper, cover with another piece of paper towel. Give this a good watering and drain off the excess water. Re wet it morning and night draining off the excess water. When the seeds have sent out a tap root plant them into your moist soil.

- Mike

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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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