Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
S           S S S S S S
T T T         T T T T T
P P           P P P P P

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in Australia - sub-tropical 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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04 May 20, Michael G (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Adelaide and have a crop of Jap pumpkin, the vine is just starting to die back, with the high rainfall we are currently getting should I cut the pumpkins before the stalk dries? I fear the pumpkins taking on to much water and rotting.
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05 May 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Be judged by how old they are - should be 20+ weeks to be ready to pick. No good picking a half mature pumpkin. The rain should only be a couple of days. If the pumpkin are laying flat and have water around the stem, tip it out. If you think they are ready try one.
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05 May 20, Clive (Australia - temperate climate)
Depends how progressed they are. Vine die back only happens at the end of the vine life. I pick many Japs well before the vine dies, with other later pollinated pumpkins still growing. Excess moisture does not only create rot, but also splitting. If the pumpkins are getting yellow, ghosting, coloring around the stem base they could also split from over watering, so pick them. If they are still young leave them. I picked several Japs this morning, one was 7.2kg and it was only 31 days from pollination. (Central QLD)
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02 May 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Gramma pumpkin. When is the best time to pick? When fully orange and dusty. Is it ripe when green and dusty looking?
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05 May 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
About 20 weeks or so after planting. The vine will be dying back, the stem from the pumpkin to the vine will be hard and dry. When you think it is ready try one, if a pale colour then you picked too early.
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29 Apr 20, Nicole (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in NW NSW, possible frosty weather is coming this weekend. Can I cover the pumpkins with something to protect them till they are ready for harvest? Thanks
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30 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
You can only give it a try. Take it off during the day though.
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19 Apr 20, Lisa (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’ve got butternut pumpkins seedlings will they grow this time of year live in Inglewood region qld
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19 Apr 20, Liz at Gardenate (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Pumpkins will be killed by frost.
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18 Apr 20, Sandi (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Butternut Pumpkin seedlings have popped up in my worm farm. Removed and put some in pots. They are growing. Is it worth planting at this time of the year in Brisbane?
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Showing 91 - 100 of 679 comments
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Hi Dawn, Unfortunately April is not the right time to grow pumpkins in Victoria as we are heading into winter. Pumpkins require a fairly long growing period of 4-6 months (depending on the variety) of warm weather and are they are very frost sensitive, so will die once winter hits. If you are keen to grow something now, cabbages, broccoli, Asian greens, lettuces, radishes and carrots are pretty good bets. If you have your heart set on growing pumpkin, best to wait till October/November for sowing/planting for best results. Cheers & happy gardening.

- Mel

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