Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S           S S S S S S
T T T         T T T T T
P P           P P P P P

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in Australia - sub-tropical 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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
24 Apr 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You could but they may not produce a crop, stick to the planting guide here - that is what it is for.
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16 Apr 21, Joy Wallace (Australia - temperate climate)
I have two pumpkins growing wild in my garden, can I send you photos as I don't know what variety they are. They are about a basketball in size.Joy
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24 Apr 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Check a seed selling website to find ones similar to yours. Or google pumpkin varieties in Aussie.
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19 Apr 21, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Go to a seed selling website like Boondie or Eden Seeds and look through the different types of pumpkin.
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13 Apr 21, Dawn Knape (Australia - temperate climate)
Can I grow pumpkin s now in April in the Yarra valley
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14 Apr 21, Mel (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Dawn, Unfortunately April is not the right time to grow pumpkins in Victoria as we are heading into winter. Pumpkins require a fairly long growing period of 4-6 months (depending on the variety) of warm weather and are they are very frost sensitive, so will die once winter hits. If you are keen to grow something now, cabbages, broccoli, Asian greens, lettuces, radishes and carrots are pretty good bets. If you have your heart set on growing pumpkin, best to wait till October/November for sowing/planting for best results. Cheers & happy gardening.
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13 Mar 21, Martyn Beaver (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Can I grow pumpkin all year round in Brisbane and if so can I grow Kent /jap and butternut ?
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19 Mar 21, M (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Most crops have a preferred season or two to grow during. There are reasons for that. That is why this website recommends growing at certain times of the year.
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05 Mar 21, Edith Martin (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted some butternut pumpkin seeds in January. They are only producing male flowers. How can I get some female flowers?
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08 Mar 21, (Australia - temperate climate)
Give them some time. Quite often male flowers are first to appear, attract the bees.
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Showing 71 - 80 of 833 comments
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Pumpkins are best planted when soil temperatures have reached 15-17 degrees C. This varies between climate zones, Australia is a large country. A soil thermometer is aa good investment to check this. They usually cost around $20.00. If you plant seedlings in February you would need to have about 4 frost-free months to harvest. As for ethics many companies sell what looks good or what people want. Tomato plants are available in Victoria as early as July. They will not do well until mid to late October when the soil has warmed up and many will die. This suits the seedling growers as they will sell more plants as replacements. Having said that if you have a sheltered spot you could get tomatoes going earlier. The best thing to do is to check the planting times on this site relevant to your area and don't be tempted by what's on offer.

- John

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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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