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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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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16 Jan 15, Rowan (Australia - temperate climate)
I have one QLD blue pumpkin plant & it has 8 pumpkins around 8 - 10 kg each with 4 more on the way about the size of an orange.
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15 Jan 15, steve k (Australia - arid climate)
Hi When is the best time to plant in narrabri nsw Many thanks
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09 Dec 14, Debbie Mathers (Australia - temperate climate)
How long does it usually take for the pumpkin plant to develop flowers?
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22 Nov 14, Andrew (Australia - temperate climate)
Do you think there is a need/requirement to cut the larger leaves from pumpkin vines. One of my pumpkin vines is quite lengthy with hugh leaves.Is there a need to prune a pumpkin ???
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02 Nov 14, Simon (Australia - temperate climate)
How many pumpkins does one vine optimally produce?
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Showing 421 - 430 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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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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