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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
30 Mar 18, Stephen G (Australia - temperate climate)
I left Butternut pumpkins harvested March 2017 out for about ten days before storing in a cellar. We picked 98. They were still excellent for 9 months, and we have just finished off the last 12 months later. No longer 100%, but we are not complaining.
Reply or Post a new comment
18 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Straight away. Keep them in a cool place and they will be good to eat for a few months.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Mar 18, Mick (Australia - arid climate)
Hi planted my pumpkins in mid February, very healthy vine but very few female flowers and the ones that do arrive fall off before they get the chance to open.
Reply or Post a new comment
10 Mar 18, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Listening to all the gardening experts, this year has been poor for pumpkins, for whatever reason. Persevere with watering and feeding, as mine are just starting to fruit now. Regular liquid fertilizer should get them going fro you.
Reply or Post a new comment
14 Mar 18, ron (Australia - temperate climate)
Female flowers usually blossom the day after rain be sure to snap off a male flower and pollinate. You may have some success if you leave to later in the day but have found the morning offers the best result. We had 6 pumpkins this year off a small plant.
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted mid Feb - that is only 3-4 weeks ago. I would give it some time to let the plant grow. Read back 20-30 comments here. Male flowers first then female. You are arid - maybe too hot. Consider when it is a bit cooler.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Mar 18, Annette (Australia - temperate climate)
I thought I’d give growing Butternut Pumpkin a go but planted them in January. They’ve all grown & have big leaves. I know I planted them late but was wondering if I will I get pumpkins growing from these plants? Or have I wasted my time?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Your plants aren't very old yet. give them time to produce some male and then female flowers. Hand pollinate if you have no bees. Read back a page or tow of comments here - a lot of info. Your big leaves maybe from too much nitrogen/very rich soil. Pumpkin take about 16 -20 weeks before picking.
Reply or Post a new comment
08 Mar 18, Jen (Australia - temperate climate)
Is it too late to grow pumpkin & potato now in central coast NSW ?
Reply or Post a new comment
09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Probably plant pumpkin now and leave the potatoes until April.
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 261 - 270 of 684 comments
See comments for all plants

pumpkin trick is to deep plant the pumpkin from the start .dig a 1 foot plant in that, do not fill hole full of ground . let plant grow . when the plant is well above hole fill hole with soil .find the path u want the plant to grow and dont move . as the plant grows take out the runner branches .let grow for 3 to 4 meters then let 2 or 3 runners grow .when you have about 3 pumpkins nib any new runners ,keep pumpkin off soil use timber or tile .also as the plant grows the plant wants to grow up ,just put trowel on the growth ,this keeps it low to ground .why u grow 3 meters is because the leaves collect sun make plant strong for pumpkin to grow .also growing low to ground roots can appear at each branch that helps plant .i look at my plant at least once a week in growing time because u need to control its growth .i grew 3 big pumpkins for the first time and its worth all the attention .if u let it go wild the flowers just fall off or a pumpkin dies after a week or so and u end up with nothing

- marco

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.