Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

September: Frost tender

  • 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

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17 Dec 23, Brett (Australia - temperate climate)
It is fairly easy. A male flower has a single central stem in the middle of the flower. Like a small pencil. It has a sort of yellow pollen on it. A female flower has a circular thing in the middle of the flower. If you want to hand fertilise you just break off the male stem and stick it in the female thing and rub the pollen off. It is the same procedure as for all life I suppose.
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27 Nov 23, FOX MAN (USA - Zone 8b climate)
what is the biggest type of pumpkin in a zone 8b area?
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26 Nov 23, Retha (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Months to plant maize, beans and pumpkin
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16 Sep 23, Jan (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
When is the best time to harvest pumkin(squash)
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19 Sep 23, (Canada - Zone 3a Temperate Short Summer climate)
Best to harvest 15-20 weeks after planting
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05 Sep 23, Anne (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Any suggestions for pumpkin fly? They are rampant here.
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06 Sep 23, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yellow sticky card board - buy from bunnings or the internet.
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18 May 23, tyler (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
can you grow Kent in winter or does it die off ?
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19 May 23, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the planting guide again.
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06 Apr 23, Kat (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I grow Kent pumpkin in autumn winter in Coffs Harbour area ?
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Showing 11 - 20 of 833 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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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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