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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17 Apr 15, wozza (Australia - tropical climate)
I have pumpkin vines that are healthy but NO female flowers .So as a result I have NO pumpkins forming .????? is that people .Cheers .
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18 May 15, JohnTheAussie (Australia - tropical climate)
Ive learnt that the first time my butternut pumpkins bloom, they bloom only female flowers, but the bext time they produce both. Not sure why, but many in my area say the same thing. I actually stopped at a large farm growing them to ask, why mone wouldnt produce fruit after flowering, and they told me it wouldnt the first time. However hand polination was needed the first time, after that the bees and insects did it all for me.
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17 Jun 15, Gail (Australia - temperate climate)
So can I leave my pumpkin plant in for the next season? I was going to pull it out!! I had some really good golden nugget pumpkins
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11 Apr 15, Erin oneill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When is the best time to plant pumpkin an butternut seeds (Check under plant names for your zone - Liz)
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29 Mar 15, Merrill (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Have large pumpkin vine which produces green pumpkins about tennis ball size, but then they all turn dark brown and shrivel up and fall off. What can I do?
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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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Showing 411 - 420 of 684 comments
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Pumpkins are best planted when soil temperatures have reached 15-17 degrees C. This varies between climate zones, Australia is a large country. A soil thermometer is aa good investment to check this. They usually cost around $20.00. If you plant seedlings in February you would need to have about 4 frost-free months to harvest. As for ethics many companies sell what looks good or what people want. Tomato plants are available in Victoria as early as July. They will not do well until mid to late October when the soil has warmed up and many will die. This suits the seedling growers as they will sell more plants as replacements. Having said that if you have a sheltered spot you could get tomatoes going earlier. The best thing to do is to check the planting times on this site relevant to your area and don't be tempted by what's on offer.

- John

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