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 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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04 Nov 15, Joseph (Australia - temperate climate)
How do u combat mould?
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03 Nov 15, larretta (Australia - temperate climate)
what is them seedling time for Pumpkin Sweet Grama?
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01 Nov 15, Barry J Hewitrt (Australia - temperate climate)
Last year 2014 I planted some Queensland blue Pumpkins at the end of the harvest I picked 22 pumpkins, but much to my dismay a lot of them were very woody why would this be can any one give me an answer as they weren't very good for pumpkin soup. Cheers Bazza
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15 Nov 15, Ricki (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Hi Barry, as I understand it pumpkins can be woody if they've been cross-pollinated with other types of pumpkins. Do you have others planted nearby? Perhaps a neighbour does? Hope this helps, cheers, Ricki.
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19 Sep 15, Laurie Thompson (Australia - temperate climate)
Jane Did you have any luck with Windsor Black Pumpkin seeds . Are they still on ebay Laurie
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19 Sep 15, Laurie Thompson (Australia - temperate climate)
Syvia Allen Did you ever find any Windsor Black Pumpkin seeds . I have tried everywhere . Laurie Mount Waverley
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02 Sep 15, Mary (Australia - temperate climate)
l live in Calista WA just south of Perth. Is October the best time to sow Butternut Pumpkin seeds for best results?
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09 Aug 15, (Australia - temperate climate)
the first lot of female flowers need to be pollinated.. then the fruit grows in the next flower lot
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13 Jul 15, Colin Turner (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to know every thing I need to know to grow Jap Nut Pumpkins,
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07 Jun 15, kierian (Australia - temperate climate)
Any tips on growing, looking after and getting turks turban pumpkins to pollenate? Any tips or help very much appreciated.
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Showing 391 - 400 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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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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