Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Mar	Apr	May
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

09 Jul 10, Mike (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate): I have plants still growing from last year and producing new growth and flowers. Will these produce good fruit or should I tear them out and replant?
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20 Aug 10, Ray (Australia - cool/mountain climate): It's getting a little for pumpkins now in the UK though you never know your luck. A lot will depend on the variety. Hand pollinate as soon as you can to have the best chance of ripe fruit before frost.
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07 Jun 10, Shane (Australia - cool/mountain climate): I just moved into a house and the weeds had over grown after clearing out the garden I found a healthy butter nut pumkin vine however I accidently ripped up the roots when clearing it out I have reburried the roots but the vine is dieing how can save it?
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16 Jun 10, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate): If the roots were torn then it's probably a lost cause. You could try copious watering to try and save it, but it's late in the season now for pumpkins, anyway.
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03 Jun 10, pat (Australia - temperate climate): i grew my japs by just throwing the inside of pumpkins under some dirt. got heaps of pumpkins but not sure what to do after picking to ripen them.
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20 Jun 10, johntone (Australia - temperate climate): Store the pumpkins for a few months in the shade and they should be ok to use for making chutney, jam, scones,bread etc.Mine seem to last for about 8 months after being picked.Any that get some withering,make some pumpkin soup.yum - yum!
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23 May 10, alan wylie (Australia - temperate climate): please advise on ripening after removing from vine jap pumpkins thank you
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23 May 10, Chris@Gardenate (Australia - cool/mountain climate): Alan, have a look at the comments from Pete and Jef - I think they answer this for you.
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22 May 10, Shane (Australia - cool/mountain climate): When pumpkins are ready they will have a hollow sound if you 'rap' on the outside. Just don't use "Ice T" when rapping or they'll harden. ;-)
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23 Jul 10, (Australia - sub-tropical climate): when the imbilicle [ small curly vine from the top] is dead and dried up, then your pumpkin is ready. Goes for all pumpkins. Get a frost on top and you are LOL.
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Showing 731 - 740 of 833 comments

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Replying to:

Hi Linda. I grew some last year and harvested when the fruit had turned yellow all over. Also, the skin should be hard enough that if you press your fingernail against it, there is no mark on the fruit. Kept in a cool place, they can keep for quite a few months after harvesting. Enjoy!

- LilChicken

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Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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