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 20°C and 32°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 90 - 120 cm 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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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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20 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Read the planting guide.
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15 Apr 20, Suzie (Australia - temperate climate)
Okay, just that it was a very sweet butternut pumpkin so I have dried out the seeds and will plant in September. Thanks for the advice everyone, it is always great to get something for next to nothing. Happy gardening!
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12 Apr 20, Renee (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi is it too late to be planting pumpkins. Live on the darling downs in Qld
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15 Apr 20, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Pumpkins need to be planted as soon as possible after the last frost as they need a long growing time. Probably best not to plant after the end of the year. (Welcome back John)
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12 Apr 20, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Why does my pumpkin form a fruit to about tennis ball size then the fruit dies off a greeny yellow ??
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Showing 101 - 110 of 684 comments
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It is fairly easy. A male flower has a single central stem in the middle of the flower. Like a small pencil. It has a sort of yellow pollen on it. A female flower has a circular thing in the middle of the flower. If you want to hand fertilise you just break off the male stem and stick it in the female thing and rub the pollen off. It is the same procedure as for all life I suppose.

- Brett

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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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