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

04 Nov 19, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
After they produce their first or second set of true leaves. Protect them from the sun the first few days when planting out.
07 Nov 19, Natalie (Australia - temperate climate)
Thank u so much :)))
20 Jan 20, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
The first set of leaves when a seed germinates provides some nutrient to start the seedling growing. The next two to three set of leaves will start to establish the plant. Transplant at this stage. The longer you leave it the higher chance of setting the plant back a lot and longer for the plant to recover. Seedlings will establish, grow quicker and be stronger when planted out into good rich soil, then confined to a small punnet cell or pot.
20 Jan 20, anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When you transplant seedlings if you disturb the soil around the roots the plants don't have the ability to take up as much water and nutrients in the first day or so. So a big leafy plant like pumpkin will dry out very quickly in the hot summer sun, not so bad in winter.
29 Oct 19, Jany Marc (USA - Zone 11a climate)
I have the same issue... but i planted in May and apparently should have in February so trying again next year! Did you ever figure it out?
01 Oct 19, Alisina Zahidi (Australia - temperate climate)
My mum made me put 2 seeds in the same spot, will that ruin the pumpkins?
02 Oct 19, Liz (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
It is probably so that you can choose which plant is stronger and remove the other one. Ask your mum why.
03 Oct 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I just planted pumpkin in 10 spots with 2 seeds at each spot. Only 2 spots had 2 plants germination. Sometimes it is for germination reasons. I basically had the same result from apple cucumbers.
02 Oct 19, Anon (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Or transplant one of the pumpkin to another spot and grow it also. When planting 2-3 seeds close together think about planting them 100-150mm apart so that if you want to move them then you can retain a fair amount of soil around the roots when moving them, helps with transplant shock.
02 Oct 19, Alisina Zahidi (Australia - temperate climate)
My mum said the same thing, she said we will see which plant is going to be strongest. Thank you for your help
Showing 191 - 200 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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