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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13 Mar 13, Linda (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Would anyone know about growing Vegetable Spaghetti, I am growing it for the first time and have had success, but I am not sure how you determine when they are ready to come off the vine. Thanks.
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11 Mar 13, Allan (Australia - temperate climate)
We live at Ballarat, Vic. How long do QLD Grey pumpkins take to flower after planting? We have heaps of vines but no sign of flowers.
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26 Mar 13, Blair (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Allan I am for Colac and have found that the large pumpkins (QLD Gery and Jarrahdale) need to be pollinated and set fruit before the hot summer kicks in otherwise the pumpkin doesn't ripen to it's full flavour.
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05 Mar 13, Roy Zappia (Australia - temperate climate)
when to plant seed for Halloween pumpkins THANK YOU
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28 Feb 13, denise edwards (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
you'll see the vines dry and the stalks on the pumpkins shrivel also. leave the stalk on the pumpkin, for storing and to prevent rotting. put somewhere cool
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26 Feb 13, Gail (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted pumpkin December and although it has gone mad and looks very healthy, it has not produced a single flower. Is it a soil issue or am I doing something else wrong?
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13 Feb 13, Don Phillips (Australia - temperate climate)
I have Queensland Blue pumkin, how do you tell when it is ready to pick?
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09 Feb 13, Bernie McCarthy (Australia - temperate climate)
Lots of male flowers and female flowers only show up on the vine when most male flowers are dead. Whats the go?
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08 Feb 13, Laurie Thompson (Australia - temperate climate)
Brenden I grow my Betternut along a brush fence . I secure the runners every metre and hang the fruit in the bum section of Pantyhose . Do not have any problems . Laurie Melbourne
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07 Feb 13, Laurie Thompson (Australia - temperate climate)
Karen did you have any success with Windsor Black Pumpkin . Sylvia Allen says she has them .
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Showing 501 - 510 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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