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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07 Dec 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Work out your climate zone and then set it then go to Pumpkins
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18 Aug 21, Steven Mcgonigal (Australia - temperate climate)
What season can you grow pumpkins parks New South Wales
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29 Aug 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
Spring
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27 Jun 21, Jen (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
golden nuggets late harvest as well as zucchini left to grow big for seed... BOTH fruit are so hard can barely get a knife through looks like they will have to be dumped into compost....What has happened? what next time NOT to do?> thanks Jen
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29 Jun 21, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Cut them open and see if you have big fat seeds. If so they should be ok. Sometimes better to just go to someone like Boondie seeds and buy 4-6-8 seeds for $1.50-2.
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26 Jun 21, Phomolo Raleting (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What's the best time to harvest pumpkin?
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29 Jun 21, (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Check the planting guide here for summer rainfall.
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04 May 21, Sherry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I want to grow GIANT pumpkins for Halloween. Does anyone have advice, I have seedlings just coming up now. Can I keep them sheltered in pots until the recommended planting time? I really would like to have BIG pumpkins FOR Oct 31st. We don't get frost as a rule, but who knows. I live in Hervey Bay. Would appreciate any and all advise .
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04 May 21, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
By the planting guide here they are a spring planting and harvest is approx 5 mths later. You are wanting to grow out of season. Frosts will probably kill them. Plants do not grow much in July August. I don't like your chances of succeeding. USA is opposite to us in seasons that is why they have them in Oct.
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18 Apr 21, Nicola (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a volunteer pumpkin plant in my garden which came up a couple of months ago. It has 3 pumpkins about the size of a small football. My concern is we are already getting into below 10 deg at night. Can I do something to keep my pumpkins alive before we get frost or should I give up on them, which I hate the thought of
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Showing 51 - 60 of 825 comments
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I have been hunting for ages for the seeds of the Iron bark pumpkin, and so far have not been successful. Does anyone know where I can get them? They are a beautiful dry excellent roaster, and make great pumpkin wine! I also am growing something that lookes like a Jap, but has the shape of a butternut. They were self sown, too.

- Elle Allardice

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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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