Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  P P P

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • 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 68°F and 90°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 35 - 47 inches 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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12 Apr 20, Annie (New Zealand - temperate climate)
When is the best time to plant pumpkin seeds please? We live on the Kapiti Coast.
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14 Apr 20, Anon (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
The monthly calendar tells you when to plant.
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12 Apr 20, Renee (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi is it too late to be planting pumpkins. Live on the darling downs in Qld
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15 Apr 20, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Pumpkins need to be planted as soon as possible after the last frost as they need a long growing time. Probably best not to plant after the end of the year. (Welcome back John)
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12 Apr 20, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Why does my pumpkin form a fruit to about tennis ball size then the fruit dies off a greeny yellow ??
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12 Apr 20, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Your pumpkins might not be pollinated. Pumpkins, courgettes etc need bees to pollinate them. You can hand pollinate either with a soft artist's brush or by picking the male flower (no miniature pumpkin behind flower) and brushing the pollen onto the female flower stamens . Have a look at this https://www.thekitchn.com/summer-gardening-handpollinati-57513
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11 Apr 20, Leanne (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi I’m in South Australia on the coast - have lots of pumpkins coming up from my compost - will they grow ?
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14 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
Check the planting time for pumpkin in temperate zone.
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11 Apr 20, Sandi (Australia - temperate climate)
It's early Autumn and I've just discovered a lot of pumpkin vine volunteers in my top garden. Should I let them go or pull out now, given there is not enough time for them to set fruit before Winter? I live in a warm temperate area above Sydney.
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15 Apr 20, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
They may come to something but I am doubtful. Let them grow as long as you can and then grate them. Pack them into bags and freeze them. Use them as you would zucchinis in soup, loaves, and muffins or slice. At least they won't be wasted
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Showing 131 - 140 of 825 comments
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I am just south of Townsville and planted Qld Blue pumpkin seeds in early April in good soil with correct PH levels. Plenty of space to run and good sunshine and watered daily. The plants grew well for about 6 weeks producing masses of mostly male flowers?? I had plenty of bees doing their job, but still only got two pumpkins that didn't reach maturity before the plants died off about 2-3 weeks ago. We did have a couple of 6deg nights but nothing lower. Any advice would be very much appreciated. Cheers

- LynnStinten

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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. GardenGrow 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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