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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09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Your plants aren't very old yet. give them time to produce some male and then female flowers. Hand pollinate if you have no bees. Read back a page or tow of comments here - a lot of info. Your big leaves maybe from too much nitrogen/very rich soil. Pumpkin take about 16 -20 weeks before picking.
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08 Mar 18, Jen (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it too late to grow pumpkin & potato now in central coast NSW ?
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09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably plant pumpkin now and leave the potatoes until April.
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06 Mar 18, Kerrie (Australia - temperate climate)
When is the best time to plant Pumpkins - 70km east of Perth?
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07 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - arid climate)
You are probably temperate/Arid. have a go plant them now.
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02 Mar 18, Lynn Ollington (Australia - temperate climate)
How do stop pumpkins rotting on vine
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05 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The female flower is there for a few days - if it is not pollinated then it will rot and fall off. If you put water into the flower it will probably rot. The flower is only open for one morning so hand pollinate it if you don't have any bees. There is a shortage of bees world wide. It might be a bug/disease and I have no idea. Have the plants out in the open and not in shade damp areas. Water low and in the late afternoon - no water into the female flower.
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27 Feb 18, Ndumie (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Is it true that the growing butternut must not get direct sunlight? It must be covered?
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23 Feb 18, Trudi (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I have lots of pumpkin flowers but only one pumpkin has formed. A friend mentioned male and female flowers. Can/should I remove flowers that aren't going to produce fruit?
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26 Feb 18, Mike (New Zealand - temperate climate)
If you go to the Australian - sub-tropical zone - there is quite a bit about this with pumpkin. Pumpkin produce male flowers first then they have female flowers, The female flower is only open for one day (until about mid day). No bees no pumpkin. So hand pollination is required. Take about two male flowers and rub the female flowers with it. Look up the internet on how to do it. This applies to zucchini, cues and melons also I believe.
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yes. I grow every year in 1/2 44 gallon drums which i have composted over the winter. easy to keep watered

- brendan

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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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