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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
27 Dec 16, Dominic (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
For the sake of my customers, I would like to know the nutritional and/or health benefits of pumpkin and/or pumpkin seeds?
Reply or Post a new comment
12 Jul 17, Kerry (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
Have a look at this website. www.sparkpeople.com it has a free nutrition calculator.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Sep 16, MANDLENKOSI WILFRED MABIZELA (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
What fertilizers should I use when growing pumpkins?
Reply or Post a new comment
21 Feb 16, shirley (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
When to plant pumpkin in the western cape
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Aug 14, Richard (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
A question can you grow pumpkin on the same soil again
Reply or Post a new comment
11 Jan 14, karen (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
what can i use to stop the flies from stinging the fruit
Reply or Post a new comment
27 Nov 13, Jerry (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I've just got land so would like to produce pumpkins now I realized time of planting has passed so I'd to know why I can't plant January because there's still rain and winter is few months away?
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Jan 13, Angela (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
The watermelon split/cracked before it is ripe why?? Pumpkins form but they then rot when the size of an egg, what could be the problem Appreciate any tips,comments Thanks
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Jan 13, Edwarn (South Africa - Dry summer sub-tropical climate)
Hi there I planted pumpkin about a month or 2 ago and there's 3 medium sized pumpkins on the plants but I had to removed 2 already due to rotting and I also found worms inside the rot. Can you tell me what the problem is and what can I do to get rid of it? I will really appreciate it if you can help.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 21 - 29 of 29 comments
See comments for all plants

Hi Cat, Yes you can transplant your pumpkin plant! There will be no way to tell what kind of pumpkin you have until your fruit are growing and it may actually end up being a hybrid mixed variety. It should still be good to eat though! Pumpkins produce both male and female flowers. If you do not have many bees or wish to be guaranteed pumpkins it doesn't hurt to hand pollinate particularly if you only have the one plant. Plenty of info online about how to do that but it is easy with pumpkins. Just google

- Katie

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.