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  

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in Australia - temperate regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • P = Sow seed

September: Frost tender

  • 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
24 Feb 16, Christine Horsfall (Australia - temperate climate)
It is mid February. Is it too late to plant pumpkin seeds? Thank you. Christine
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23 Feb 16, Mick O'neill (Australia - arid climate)
When is the right time to pick my Jap pumpkins?
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22 Feb 16, David (Australia - temperate climate)
It is the 22nd February Can I grow start my pumpkin from seed now or is it to late
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13 Mar 16, Elizabeth (Australia - temperate climate)
To late I planted mine late November. I have quite a few pumpkins on mine.
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13 Feb 16, Val (Australia - temperate climate)
how can I tell when my jarradale pumpkins are ready to harvest?
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30 Jan 16, Helen (Australia - temperate climate)
My Kent or Jap pumpkin is rampaging thru my garden but hasn't formed any flowers yet can you please tell me when that is likely to happen. Thankyou.ps they were planted early Nov.
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09 Feb 16, Justin (Australia - arid climate)
They should be flowering after 4-6 weeks. Generally this is a sign of too much nitrogen and not enough potassium, you will need to mix it into the soil or get a water soluble type to water around the root zone. You can add Sulphate of Potash to increase the potassium which should encourage flowering and fruiting. you could also try calcium (dolomite lime) this will also make your soil more alkaline so would help to do a soil test first. If your soil is a clay type you could use gypsum instead to help break up the soil, it is also high in calcium.
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30 Jan 16, Shirlie (Australia - temperate climate)
I Planted my pumpkins on Cup Day, I still have no flowers but lots of vine trail plants. Am I doing anything wrong. 1st time pumpkin planter. Must admit I am over undated with very ripe juicy tomatoes.
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19 Jan 16, russell (Australia - temperate climate)
Very strong Queensland Blue plants but to many male flowers, not many female Any answers?
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11 Jan 16, bill (Australia - tropical climate)
I have a jap pumpkin It has produced two round pumpkins and two egg shaped pumpkins . The round ones are gray and the egg shaped are still green . They are from the same plant but different vines . Can any one tell me if this is normal .
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Brendan, I have seen a pumpkin vine that took over a paling fence Approx 15mts. But all the fruit grew on the neighbours side. Lucky we got to share

- wayne

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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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