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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02 Mar 15, keith (Australia - temperate climate)
Ive had the very same problem with young pumpkin yellowing them falling off dur to lack of pollination,,, So I tried hand pollination but then the males didn't have any pollen showing on fingers or brush,,, I can only put it down to inmature males ??,,,, any answers to my problem would be most grateful
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05 Mar 15, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Had the same problem but found if i opened up the male flowers before they do it themselves , you get a hell of a lot more pollen that way.
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27 Feb 15, Pat (Australia - temperate climate)
I have pumpkin vines growing in my back garden which have gone berserk, can I cut back the vines without hindering the growth of the pumpkins developing.
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18 Feb 15, Maggie (Australia - temperate climate)
Re Pumpkin's question : You can leave pumpkins in the ground until danger of frost is passed -- so it may still colour up, depending where you live ...
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16 Feb 15, Josephine (Australia - temperate climate)
We have a huge green pumpkin that does not look at all like changing colour. Is it alright to pick and eat it. Your assistance would be much appreciated.
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06 Feb 15, Sue O'Keefe (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best variety to plant in a small area? Is there a pumpkin that won't take over the entire yard?
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16 Jan 15, Rowan (Australia - temperate climate)
I have one QLD blue pumpkin plant & it has 8 pumpkins around 8 - 10 kg each with 4 more on the way about the size of an orange.
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15 Jan 15, steve k (Australia - arid climate)
Hi When is the best time to plant in narrabri nsw Many thanks
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09 Dec 14, Debbie Mathers (Australia - temperate climate)
How long does it usually take for the pumpkin plant to develop flowers?
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22 Nov 14, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you think there is a need/requirement to cut the larger leaves from pumpkin vines. One of my pumpkin vines is quite lengthy with hugh leaves.Is there a need to prune a pumpkin ???
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Showing 531 - 540 of 825 comments
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Hi Cat, Yes you can transplant your pumpkin plant! There will be no way to tell what kind of pumpkin you have until your fruit are growing and it may actually end up being a hybrid mixed variety. It should still be good to eat though! Pumpkins produce both male and female flowers. If you do not have many bees or wish to be guaranteed pumpkins it doesn't hurt to hand pollinate particularly if you only have the one plant. Plenty of info online about how to do that but it is easy with pumpkins. Just google

- Katie

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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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