Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in Australia - 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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28 May 20, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Give them a couple of weeks to dry out, put them in a little sealing bag, then put them in a sealable jar and into the fridge. When you take them out of the fridge leave for 20-30 mins before you open the jar. Stops condensation.
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25 May 20, Holly (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hi, I'm wondering if pumpkins can be planted now on a hot western slope in nth new? Yes it's late! Just wondering!
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26 May 20, Anonymous (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Read the article here and get as much info as possible to make a decision. We are about 5 weeks away from the coldest period of the year July August, most plants do not grow much during these months. Generally give the hottest and coldest months a miss. Advice here is they need 20-30 temp to germinate, my soil is currently 18, Bundaberg. It says plant from August. I suggest you wait until then and find a warm area to be able to germinate the seeds or buy seedlings. There is a reason why you plant at the correct time, you have a better chance of a successful crop. Start preparing your ground if it needs it.
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14 May 20, Sid Clancy (Australia - temperate climate)
I live in Central West NSW, when should i be planting my pumpkins?
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18 May 20, Paul Lehmann (Australia - arid climate)
No frosts, no problem! Get them going as early as you like! I have to wait till last frost is gone, early November but this year I'm going to get some frost covers and start them a bit earlier.
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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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Showing 91 - 100 of 684 comments
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I inherited a large Kent pumpkin vine when we moved into our house a year ago on the Sunshine Coast. It came with a single substantial pumpkin. As I've learned more about the way they reproduce I've tried to hand pollinate with only one successful outcome. The vine currently has two pumpkins, one of which was made without any help from me. A couple of weeks ago (late December) the vine became full of tiny female flowers and the male flowers were in abundance too. I thought I'd have a great outcome and even saw a bee or two. But not all of the tiny females even reached the flowering stage, just withered where they grew. It has been pretty hot and humid here, with temps 30+ most days and night in the low 20s. I keep the water up to them but they really suffer during the mid day heat. Would shade cloth help? Is there anything I can add to the soil?

- Sue Bradshaw

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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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