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

07 Apr 13, Narelle (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've had the same problem this year so would be interested to hear from others!
04 May 13, Brendan (Australia - tropical climate)
Lacking calcium. Soil pH is probably too low, feed it some Dolomite around the root zone. If the soil pH is ok, use Gypsum instead.
27 Mar 13, Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
PLease can you tell me why our pumpkin vines had know flowers consequently no fruit. suspect the soil not rich enough for them.
20 Apr 13, S Young (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Some pumpkins have male and female flowers...too much of one or the other or no pollination can cause flowers to die and no fruit. I also found with some of mine that a few really hot days and direct sun in the afternoon (west) that they cannot cope.
29 Mar 13, Forest Hill (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Anne - how long is the vine? Sometimes pumpkins put all their energy into growing and not into flowers. Try nipping off the terminal buds (ends) of each vine so they stop growing and they will put out flowers, although I suspect its too late in the season to do that now. the other thing to do it hceck if you have too much nitrogen (manure), which generates leafy growth. Try spreading some potassium (banana skins) around the base.
25 Mar 13, Laurie Thompson (Australia - temperate climate)
Windsor Black Pumpkin . Sylvia Allen did you have any luck with the Windsor Black Pumpkin for I want some seeds . This is a heritage pumpkin and was the Pumpkin emblem of Victoria . Herronswood ( Diggers also want this pumpkin seed . Did Karen have any success Laurie
29 Mar 13, Sylvia Allan (Australia - arid climate)
Dear Laurie, I had a really good vine and it was flowering male flowers first the female flowers were just forming, then came the rain 8 inches in a week our whole property was flooded & all my pumpkins rotted though I had harvested 50 varieties. Windsor black among other varieties that take 120 days, I lost, I was devastated because I didn't have anymore seed.Sorry Any one out there who can supply me some seed I would be ever so grateful, & pay well of course. Sylvia Allan.
25 Mar 13, JoeW (Australia - temperate climate)
I think the 'Pumpkin on vine' in the picture has detached from the vine. Also I would like to know where to get some Windsor Black pumpkin seeds Thanks
27 Mar 13, Liz (Australia - temperate climate)
The pumpkin is still attached to the vine. It was in Chris's garden at the time. The mark you can see is the flower end.
15 Mar 13, LilChicken (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Linda. I grew some last year and harvested when the fruit had turned yellow all over. Also, the skin should be hard enough that if you press your fingernail against it, there is no mark on the fruit. Kept in a cool place, they can keep for quite a few months after harvesting. Enjoy!
Showing 491 - 500 of 679 comments

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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