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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09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted mid Feb - that is only 3-4 weeks ago. I would give it some time to let the plant grow. Read back 20-30 comments here. Male flowers first then female. You are arid - maybe too hot. Consider when it is a bit cooler.
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08 Mar 18, Annette (Australia - temperate climate)
I thought I’d give growing Butternut Pumpkin a go but planted them in January. They’ve all grown & have big leaves. I know I planted them late but was wondering if I will I get pumpkins growing from these plants? Or have I wasted my time?
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09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Your plants aren't very old yet. give them time to produce some male and then female flowers. Hand pollinate if you have no bees. Read back a page or tow of comments here - a lot of info. Your big leaves maybe from too much nitrogen/very rich soil. Pumpkin take about 16 -20 weeks before picking.
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08 Mar 18, Jen (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it too late to grow pumpkin & potato now in central coast NSW ?
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09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably plant pumpkin now and leave the potatoes until April.
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06 Mar 18, Kerrie (Australia - temperate climate)
When is the best time to plant Pumpkins - 70km east of Perth?
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07 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - arid climate)
You are probably temperate/Arid. have a go plant them now.
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02 Mar 18, Lynn Ollington (Australia - temperate climate)
How do stop pumpkins rotting on vine
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05 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The female flower is there for a few days - if it is not pollinated then it will rot and fall off. If you put water into the flower it will probably rot. The flower is only open for one morning so hand pollinate it if you don't have any bees. There is a shortage of bees world wide. It might be a bug/disease and I have no idea. Have the plants out in the open and not in shade damp areas. Water low and in the late afternoon - no water into the female flower.
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09 Feb 18, bruce (Australia - temperate climate)
Butternut pumpkins...planted mid Nov'. do they change colour & sound hollow when ripe? we are a bit dubious when to harvest.
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Liss, Pumpkins are not really heavy feeders in my experience also to seem to require little water. They really like sulphate of potash, that can be either burnt ashes or a comercial product. A few watering every 3 or four days will keep them thriving. A point to remember is that when the fruit begins to develop don't increase the water or the fruit may split. Hope this helps. Warren

- Warren

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