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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16 Jun 18, Patricia (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best vege to plant after pumkins
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16 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A root vegetable crop. Type into google
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31 May 18, Jill Western (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to plant some butternut pumpkin in a warm sheltered area that has rich soil. Is it possible to plant now in June. Also should I use seeds or buy plants. Thankyou.
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01 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A warm sheltered area in June July August is not warm at night. It says to plant in Sept to Dec for a reason - it is a summer growing crop.
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26 May 18, Kerri (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have 2 pet chickens and a whole front yard of pumpkins because of the chickens. Somehow in the rains in February 18 we started growing pumpkins. There’s 6 or more good sized Kent pumpkins there that we can see. I cut one the other day and it was just yellow inside, still a little soft but tasted ok. How long should I wait to harvest the rest?
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29 May 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Wait until the plant starts to die back or dies back in winter. About 20-26 weeks from planting.
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31 May 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When you cut the pumpkin from the vine make sure you have some of the stem attached to the pumpkin.
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23 May 18, Pattie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've bought some Halloween pumpkin seeds to grow for Halloween 31/10) this year, it's late May now, when's the best time to plant these so they're ready a few weeks before Halloween?
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24 May 18, Chap (Australia - temperate climate)
Halloween in the states is when their pumpkins are ready. in australia the seasons are opposite
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15 May 18, Pat (Australia - arid climate)
I put my seeds from my bought pumpkin into a glass of warm water overnight then planted them next day into my vege patch. They were everywhere !
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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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