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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
29 Jan 19, Richard (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
I'm growing grey pumpkins,do they grow bigger fruit if you cut end of runners off once plant has several pumpkins on it.
Reply or Post a new comment
03 Feb 19, mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you want a few big ones or a lot of average to good size? My cues last year - if I had cut - would have picked 18 - left to grow 49 cues.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jan 19, mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Don't cut unless limited by space.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 Jan 19, James (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Yes they do mate
Reply or Post a new comment
19 Jan 19, jamie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
hi guys i havetried growing butternut and have had white mildew distroy everything any tips on preventing this in such a humid climate? thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Jan 19, Mike Logan (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Grow in a different area next time.
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Google it - organic or in-organic.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 Jan 19, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Organic or inorganic spray that is.
Reply or Post a new comment
15 Jan 19, Noel (Australia - temperate climate)
This year my pumpkins are quite robust, a good yield due to creating a beehive I reckon. But its very hot here in NE Victoria, the plants are struggling, despite 2 daily waterings and although the stems haven't dried off my instincts tell me to pick them before they get affected as well. Am I right or wrong?
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jan 19, Graham Bower (Australia - temperate climate)
If the stems haven't dried off fruit will be immature and tasteless. They will not keep .Leave on the ground. Risk of rotting is slight and worth the risk. If you are unduly concerned you could always lift the fruit off the ground onto a piece of wood or similar. I rarely lift mine until May / June. Graham (berwick Vic)
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 201 - 210 of 684 comments
See comments for all plants

I grow pumpkins every season. If you want your pumpkins to grow big you must make sure the entire plant gets watered and fertilised regularly as the vine sends down a root at about 1/2m intervals in search of water and food. When you start getting female flowers (with a pumpkin attached) you need to fertilise them by getting pollen from the male flower, just put your finger inside and you will see the pollen on it, gently brush it on to the middle of the female, once pollinated the new pumpkin will go into a growing frenzy, (I know they are about 90% water ) Water, water, water! And food, My best Kentia/ Jap went 12.2 kg 33cm high, save the seeds and keep them in the freezer. Veggies are the best.

- Grant Onysko

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.