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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05 May 20, Clive (Australia - temperate climate)
Depends how progressed they are. Vine die back only happens at the end of the vine life. I pick many Japs well before the vine dies, with other later pollinated pumpkins still growing. Excess moisture does not only create rot, but also splitting. If the pumpkins are getting yellow, ghosting, coloring around the stem base they could also split from over watering, so pick them. If they are still young leave them. I picked several Japs this morning, one was 7.2kg and it was only 31 days from pollination. (Central QLD)
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02 May 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Gramma pumpkin. When is the best time to pick? When fully orange and dusty. Is it ripe when green and dusty looking?
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05 May 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
About 20 weeks or so after planting. The vine will be dying back, the stem from the pumpkin to the vine will be hard and dry. When you think it is ready try one, if a pale colour then you picked too early.
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29 Apr 20, Nicole (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in NW NSW, possible frosty weather is coming this weekend. Can I cover the pumpkins with something to protect them till they are ready for harvest? Thanks
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30 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can only give it a try. Take it off during the day though.
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19 Apr 20, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’ve got butternut pumpkins seedlings will they grow this time of year live in Inglewood region qld
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19 Apr 20, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Pumpkins will be killed by frost.
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18 Apr 20, Sandi (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Butternut Pumpkin seedlings have popped up in my worm farm. Removed and put some in pots. They are growing. Is it worth planting at this time of the year in Brisbane?
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20 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Read the planting guide.
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15 Apr 20, Suzie (Australia - temperate climate)
Okay, just that it was a very sweet butternut pumpkin so I have dried out the seeds and will plant in September. Thanks for the advice everyone, it is always great to get something for next to nothing. Happy gardening!
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Showing 121 - 130 of 825 comments
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For Robert B of Sydney West,17 April, dette-19April andMichael Stapleton 4 May. Forget about growing Jap Pumpkins. They are rubbish, far too soft to make good roasting pumpkin.. About growing pumpkins - plant your seed in September/October, male flowers will appear then in second week January the females will start. If fruit does not develop and turns yellow and dies that means the female has not been pollinated by the male, due to absence of bees. You will have to do it by hand. Determine how many fruit you want and then remove any female flowers that appear. I usually leave this until March. Do NOT prune the end of your vine. Feed with potash and phosphorous (liquid manure the best organic source). Note - phosphorous helps initiate the onset of female flowers The first pumpkins will be ready to pick in mid April. Place some coarse straw under the vine in January where you find a female (to prevent rot). Happy to answer any questions and provide seed of "Ironbark", the original Aussie pumpkin and still the best for colour, flavour and texture (sweet, smooth and dry - lovely) Tony 02 62310508

- tony bray

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