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 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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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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02 Nov 14, Simon (Australia - temperate climate)
How many pumpkins does one vine optimally produce?
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29 Oct 14, Cheryl (Australia - temperate climate)
My mother has had diificlty getting her pumpkins to produce female flowers. She gets lots of leaves and male flowers, but no female. Any idea why, and what she can do to get pumpkins this year?
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Showing 541 - 550 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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