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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23 Sep 08, wayne (Australia - temperate climate)
Brendan, I have seen a pumpkin vine that took over a paling fence Approx 15mts. But all the fruit grew on the neighbours side. Lucky we got to share
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05 Sep 08, dennis gibson (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
possums eating my pumpkins had to cover with fruit netting worked well
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02 Sep 08, Trevor (Australia - temperate climate)
brendan - have not tried the clothes line, but have tried a pergola of sorts. Grew vine up on to shed and worked a treat, higher, more sunlight.
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11 Aug 08, brendan (Australia - temperate climate)
has anybody ever grown a pumpkin vine up a pergola or clothes line with any success, and if so, how is the best way to go about it? thanks.
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Showing 681 - 684 of 684 comments
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Great tip from Yarralumla Nursery: I've had trouble getting my pumpkin fruit to set. I get small fruit up to 10cm that then wither and die. I've corrected acid, I've hand pollinated, I've water regularly and fertilized heavily, all to no avail. Someone at the nursery asked if the plant was large, healthy and still producing shoots - yes it was. They suggested clipping the ends of each tendril/shoot to stop it growing so the plant can concentrate on growing fruit, not leaves. It seemed to work - the next few flowers to polinate have progressed to a mature pumpkin.

- Steve

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