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

27 May 13, David Trees (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi Sylvia Allan, so so sorry to hear of the loss of all your produce/seeds. It must be heart breaking to be close yet so far from gaing the joy of the harvest. I am intrigued by your comment though. Excuse me if I seem to be thick, but, how can one grow more than one variety and keep the seeds pure. I really want to grow 4 to 6 different pumpkin / squash varieties but was told it could be done if saving seeds...? Did I read it right that your grow 50 different varieties on the same property...? Finally, did you source your seeds as above? Thanks in advance for your patient reply. :) David
27 May 13, Marian (Australia - arid climate)
I planted pumpkins for the first time: we have very hot summer so I waited til the heat was over, planted seeds late Feb. Vines now looking like the cold will start to slow the ripening process. Our frosts will start soon. I am wondering if I will actually get to pick any pumpkins. Our days are warm but nights cold.
09 May 13, Diane (Australia - temperate climate)
When is the best time to plant pumpkins from seed on the south east coast of NSW
11 May 13, Justine (Australia - temperate climate)
Its harvest time for pumpkins here Diane... you will have to wait till spring to get your pumpkin seeds growing
11 May 13, Barb (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Diane, I'm in the Shoalhaven and I plant mine Sept/Oct. We' have a bumper crop each year. I think once the frosts have finished in your area and the days are warming a bit is fine. Cover them compost and mulch to give them a bit of warmth to start with.
02 May 13, Joan Adams (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I tried growing pumpkin in composted soil and have 4 tiny pumpkins which stopped growing. How do I get larger fruits in future?
24 Apr 13, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
They are not getting pollinated, you need to get a feather and dip it in the flowers that don't have a pumpkin on them, then gently stick the feather into the ones that do.
21 Apr 13, JanineW (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It's nearly end of April & we had our 1st frost last night & my jap pumpkin plants have turned up their leaves we've only got 2 pumpkins but I don't believe they are ripe yet so do I leave them or take them off?
24 Apr 13, Steve (Australia - temperate climate)
Put bricks or the like underneath them to get them off the ground, but don't pick them until the stalks turn brown, this is the sign they are ready. If the stalks are green they are still getting nutrient from the plant
08 Apr 13, June (Australia - temperate climate)
Planted potkin & Qld Blue pumpkins. They all keep going yellow and dying when they first form. Does anybody know why this keeps happening please.
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