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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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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