Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in Australia - sub-tropical 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

07 Feb 23, Lynette Baldwin (Australia - tropical climate)
Came home from holidays in January and there is a pumpkin growing in my garden it’s getting big will it grow in these months or not . I think my grandson planted it he’s only seven .
13 Feb 23, (Australia - tropical climate)
Let it grow and see what happens - keep it well watered in the hot weather.
29 Dec 22, Xander (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
How do l tell the difference between male and female flower
29 Sep 23, Anonymous (Australia - temperate climate)
Have a look at the thing growing inside the flower. Does it look like a male thing or a female thing? I think this will answer your question.
04 Jan 23, Gabriella (Australia - temperate climate)
Female flowers have a tiny pumpkin at the base of the flower, males just have stem.
24 Dec 22, John (Australia - tropical climate)
Why do my pumpkins get to the size of a fifty cent peace and go yellow and drop off
04 Jan 23, Gabriella (Australia - temperate climate)
They haven't been pollinated. Try transferring pollen from male flower to female flower.
27 Jan 23, Adam (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best method to pollinate? Using a cutip?
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
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.
Showing 11 - 20 of 679 comments

I have had several pumpkin plants pop up from seeds. I don’t know where the seeds came from as I’ve never grown pumpkins in the past. Never the less the plants grew vigorously with lots of leaves and flowers. I noticed plenty of bees around so assumed pollination would occur, however no pumpkins ever appear. I guess an experienced gardener would know what’s happening. I’m a beginner so I would welcome some information. Thanks.

- David James

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.