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 20°C and 32°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 90 - 120 cm apart
  • Harvest in 15-20 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Sweet Corn
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

19 May 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the planting guide again.
06 Apr 23, Kat (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I grow Kent pumpkin in autumn winter in Coffs Harbour area ?
19 Apr 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Spring summer.
21 Feb 23, Debbie (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I planted 3 pumpkins in October, all different varieties. One has not produced any female flowers and the other two have any just produced two little pumpkins this month (February) . They are healthy plants with an abundance of male flowers. My qustion is will they ripen before it gets too cold?
22 Feb 23, (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Pumpkins take about 5mths.
12 Feb 23, Ty Buchanan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
To pollinate snap off a yellow protuberance from the male. Gently push the protuberance into the middle of the yellow female, right into the center, and leave it there. That's it!
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.
Showing 11 - 20 of 825 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

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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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