Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

September: Frost tender

  • 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 51 - 60 of 679 comments
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Just found this - commercial production. For efficient pollination and fruit set, there must be: both male and female flowers and bees to move pollen from male to female flowers. A number of factors can influence pollination, Cold and overcast days limit pollination activity of bees. Hot dry conditions desiccate pollen making it unviable. Rapid growth promotes earlier flowering. However, high temperatures, long days and high rates of nitrogen can result in: vigorous vegetative growth and few flowers and a higher proportion of male to female flowers. It is important to check the sex of the flowers. A ratio of 1 female to 7 male flowers is usually considered adequate. Flowers open early in the day and for one day only, and they close by mid afternoon. These periods are shorter under high temperatures. Flowers are most receptive to pollination in the morning when bee activity is usually the highest. Bees are necessary for pollination and must be active in the crop. Flowers require at least 12 bee visits for good pollination. If bees are not plentiful, introduce at least two hives per ha after female flowers appear and male flowers start producing pollen. Spread hives around the field outside the crop, preferably so that bees have to fly over the crop to get to another food source. Destroy flowering weeds around the crop.

- Mike

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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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