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

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
07 Apr 20, Auther Ray (USA - Zone 7a climate)
When is the best time to plant pie pumpkins in 74883? Reply from Gardenate : First find your USDA Plant Hardiness Zone by entering your ZIP code at the USDA Plant Hardiness website then check here www.gardenate.com/zones/#zone-US
05 Apr 20, Pam Adam (Australia - tropical climate)
I have just harvested my first ever pumpkin (jap) and it’s a beauty. However there were no seeds inside. Does this mean anything?
15 Apr 20, John Mauger (Australia - temperate climate)
If your pumpkin is ripe it doesn't matter. It just means that you can't save seeds.
04 Apr 20, Bruno (Australia - temperate climate)
I have a number of grey pumpkins on drying vines and the stems have completely dried off most and the pumpkins self detached. The flesh is still far from ripe however with a lot of green flesh under the skin and the rest a pale yellow. While the p’kins are a good size there is not much flesh inside. What’s gone wrong ?
06 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - temperate climate)
At a very rough guess I would say they were not fertilised and watered enough. Looks like you planted them about the right time, takes bout 20 weeks to mature.
04 Apr 20, Lisa Morton-Jones (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
We have sown healthy grown pumpkins seeds now, early April They are about 2 inches tall..........we live in Loburn, outside of Rangiora. Do you think they will grow ?? or did we waste our time?? Thanks
06 Apr 20, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
If you went to the new Zealand section and looked up pumpkin in cool/mountain you would see to plant Oct to Dec. Look at the time to plant crops, there is a reason, that is when they do best.
19 Mar 20, Toni Proudlock (Australia - temperate climate)
Today,I have salvaged my butternut pumpkin seeds but they are still so fresh and moist. How long does it take for them to dry out successfully? I read that they can be put in a sterile jar and kept in the fridge until September when the planting should begin. What size garden do they need? Can they be cultivated in garden planter boxes? I don't have much garden space and I have a flat block. I am very much the novice gardener....thank you.
19 Mar 20, Another gardener (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Take the seeds and put them in some water for about 3 days. New water each day. That will take the flesh off them. Then let them dry for about 2 weeks. Then put them in a sealable jar and put in the fridge. Plants need to be planted about 1m apart and rows about 2m apart. They need a fair bit of garden to grow in. Depending on the size of the planter box you would need to pay attention to how much fertiliser you put on and water regularly.
Showing 141 - 150 of 826 comments

I have been hunting for ages for the seeds of the Iron bark pumpkin, and so far have not been successful. Does anyone know where I can get them? They are a beautiful dry excellent roaster, and make great pumpkin wine! I also am growing something that lookes like a Jap, but has the shape of a butternut. They were self sown, too.

- Elle Allardice

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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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