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

12 May 20, Caroline (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Hi my name is Caroline and I’m not from New Zealand, but I love pumpkins! I REALLY REALLY have the urge to carve a pumpkin but unfortunately they are all out of season in America. This might sound stupid but are pumpkins on the same schedule in New Zealand bc of the difference in climate? Like would I be able to get one shipped ?
13 Jul 20, Marylee (USA - Zone 8b climate)
I was hoping to plant some pumpkins, but I am worried they won't grow very well since it is almost the middle of July. Can I still plant some in my garden? I live in a very warm climate too.
15 Jul 20, Colleen De Maio (USA - Zone 10b climate)
I think you should still get decent pumpkins in zone 8. Because it's so hot right now they should grow quickly, much more quickly than if you'd planted earlier. Make sure they have plenty of water, though, and mulch them so they don't fry. Good luck!
27 Aug 20, alexander (USA - Zone 9b climate)
I read that they can have trouble pollinating without a little help, though I haven't started growing mine yet.
28 Aug 20, Anonymous (USA - Zone 6b climate)
If you don't have active bees when they flower then you can hand pollinate. A female flower is only open for a few hours one day, if not pollinated then no pumpkin grows. Google how to do it.
20 Sep 20, Ivie Walker (USA - Zone 9a climate)
Because of the heat in zone 9a. Plants have difficulty pollinating when temperatures are 90 degrees or higher. In Southern Nevada temps got to 120 degrees. I plant seeds especially seedlings once temps are below 90 degrees. When temps are high I use Blossom Set to help the fruit to set on
04 Sep 22, Jen (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Hi is sept with warm temps too late to plant pumpkins?
13 Sep 22, Anonymous (USA - Zone 8b climate)
It is about 4 months too late by the guide here. It is not the temps now but what they will be in 4-5months time when the pumpkin are suppose to mature.
27 Nov 23, FOX MAN (USA - Zone 8b climate)
what is the biggest type of pumpkin in a zone 8b area?
Showing 11 - 19 of 19 comments

I have had several pumpkin plants pop up from seeds. I don’t know where the seeds came from as I’ve never grown pumpkins in the past. Never the less the plants grew vigorously with lots of leaves and flowers. I noticed plenty of bees around so assumed pollination would occur, however no pumpkins ever appear. I guess an experienced gardener would know what’s happening. I’m a beginner so I would welcome some information. Thanks.

- David James

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put Gardenate in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.