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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21 Mar 15, Gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank u Cindy and Keith. My pumpkins are about 2kgs in weight but turned from green stripes to yellow with tinges of green. They are solid and now have 9 on the vines but they are all going the same way. I have hand pollinated a couple but cannot understand why they are "yellowing". Am tempted to cut one open. your views appreciated!!!!
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04 Mar 15, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Pumpkin grew from compost that I put in the ground and have had four large pumpkins . I have given them plenty of water but they are all turning yellow. The stems are still green and they are hard with a "full" sound when tapped I believe they are Jap pumpkins and I`m wondering if this is natural to turn yellow. Would appreciate any response as I have never had pumpkins growing.
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09 Mar 15, Cindy (Australia - temperate climate)
Sounds like it's a Butternut pumpkin. They grow from my worm compost too.
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08 Mar 15, keith (Australia - temperate climate)
G'dday gary.....Im inclined to think your pumpkin did not get pollinated as it's only then they turn yellow, I would try hand pollinating next time to insure fruit set.. It's worth the try... Good luck Cheers ..keith
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02 Mar 15, keith (Australia - temperate climate)
Ive had the very same problem with young pumpkin yellowing them falling off dur to lack of pollination,,, So I tried hand pollination but then the males didn't have any pollen showing on fingers or brush,,, I can only put it down to inmature males ??,,,, any answers to my problem would be most grateful
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05 Mar 15, gary (Australia - temperate climate)
Had the same problem but found if i opened up the male flowers before they do it themselves , you get a hell of a lot more pollen that way.
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27 Feb 15, Pat (Australia - temperate climate)
I have pumpkin vines growing in my back garden which have gone berserk, can I cut back the vines without hindering the growth of the pumpkins developing.
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18 Feb 15, Maggie (Australia - temperate climate)
Re Pumpkin's question : You can leave pumpkins in the ground until danger of frost is passed -- so it may still colour up, depending where you live ...
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16 Feb 15, Josephine (Australia - temperate climate)
We have a huge green pumpkin that does not look at all like changing colour. Is it alright to pick and eat it. Your assistance would be much appreciated.
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06 Feb 15, Sue O'Keefe (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best variety to plant in a small area? Is there a pumpkin that won't take over the entire yard?
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Showing 411 - 420 of 679 comments
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I have been growing Queensland Blues & Jap Pumpkins here in Sydneys West for a while and would like to know the following : Male flowers are plentiful usually at the start of the vine & female flowers are not as many but as the vine lengthens more females appear, so how far do you let the vine grow. If cut does the right ratio of flowers continue shoot or that stops everything, what you have is all you get and do you plug the cut end to prevent disease getting into the vine (read that on the net) Also everyone says when the vine withers pick your crop, mine was going great and green but I picked them (stem still green & firm) as I felt they were large enough but several had started to rot inside, we saved them luckey as another couple of weeks would have lost the lot. So how do you know when to pick. heard about tapping it sound hollow its ripe, pick a piece of skin with fingernail the skin can give you an idea. Noticed in the fruit shop many pumpkins have fingernail pieces dug out ??? somebody know something !!!!! As the pumpkin is pollinated & starts to grow do you sit it on a tile or similar keeping it off the ground ( for air & warmth circulation) sometimes when left on the ground the under side looks soft and worms and bugs seem to love that position.

- Robert B

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