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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
12 Apr 20, Annie (New Zealand - temperate climate)
When is the best time to plant pumpkin seeds please? We live on the Kapiti Coast.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Apr 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The monthly calendar tells you when to plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Apr 20, Renee (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi is it too late to be planting pumpkins. Live on the darling downs in Qld
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Apr 20, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Pumpkins need to be planted as soon as possible after the last frost as they need a long growing time. Probably best not to plant after the end of the year. (Welcome back John)
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Apr 20, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Why does my pumpkin form a fruit to about tennis ball size then the fruit dies off a greeny yellow ??
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Apr 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Your pumpkins might not be pollinated. Pumpkins, courgettes etc need bees to pollinate them. You can hand pollinate either with a soft artist's brush or by picking the male flower (no miniature pumpkin behind flower) and brushing the pollen onto the female flower stamens . Have a look at this https://www.thekitchn.com/summer-gardening-handpollinati-57513
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Apr 20, Leanne (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’m in South Australia on the coast - have lots of pumpkins coming up from my compost - will they grow ?
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Check the planting time for pumpkin in temperate zone.
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Apr 20, Sandi (Australia - temperate climate)
It's early Autumn and I've just discovered a lot of pumpkin vine volunteers in my top garden. Should I let them go or pull out now, given there is not enough time for them to set fruit before Winter? I live in a warm temperate area above Sydney.
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Apr 20, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
They may come to something but I am doubtful. Let them grow as long as you can and then grate them. Pack them into bags and freeze them. Use them as you would zucchinis in soup, loaves, and muffins or slice. At least they won't be wasted
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 131 - 140 of 825 comments
See comments for all plants

I have been growing Queensland Blues & Jap Pumpkins here in Sydneys West for a while and would like to know the following : Male flowers are plentiful usually at the start of the vine & female flowers are not as many but as the vine lengthens more females appear, so how far do you let the vine grow. If cut does the right ratio of flowers continue shoot or that stops everything, what you have is all you get and do you plug the cut end to prevent disease getting into the vine (read that on the net) Also everyone says when the vine withers pick your crop, mine was going great and green but I picked them (stem still green & firm) as I felt they were large enough but several had started to rot inside, we saved them luckey as another couple of weeks would have lost the lot. So how do you know when to pick. heard about tapping it sound hollow its ripe, pick a piece of skin with fingernail the skin can give you an idea. Noticed in the fruit shop many pumpkins have fingernail pieces dug out ??? somebody know something !!!!! As the pumpkin is pollinated & starts to grow do you sit it on a tile or similar keeping it off the ground ( for air & warmth circulation) sometimes when left on the ground the under side looks soft and worms and bugs seem to love that position.

- Robert B

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.