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

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for New Zealand | for all countries
29 Jun 18, Anne Jeffrey (Australia - temperate climate)
Can you please advise me on where to search for Windsor Black seeds, I've been searching for what seems like ever and had no success, I'm trying to revive this pumpkin for my mother who's in her 70s Thank you
Reply or Post a new comment
02 Jul 18, Mike L (Australia - temperate climate)
Try thelostseed.c.a - they have them but are out of stock at the moment. Ring or send an email as they may have some packets left.
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jun 18, Patricia (Australia - temperate climate)
What is the best vege to plant after pumkins
Reply or Post a new comment
16 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A root vegetable crop. Type into google
Reply or Post a new comment
31 May 18, Jill Western (Australia - temperate climate)
I would like to plant some butternut pumpkin in a warm sheltered area that has rich soil. Is it possible to plant now in June. Also should I use seeds or buy plants. Thankyou.
Reply or Post a new comment
01 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
A warm sheltered area in June July August is not warm at night. It says to plant in Sept to Dec for a reason - it is a summer growing crop.
Reply or Post a new comment
26 May 18, Kerri (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I have 2 pet chickens and a whole front yard of pumpkins because of the chickens. Somehow in the rains in February 18 we started growing pumpkins. There’s 6 or more good sized Kent pumpkins there that we can see. I cut one the other day and it was just yellow inside, still a little soft but tasted ok. How long should I wait to harvest the rest?
Reply or Post a new comment
29 May 18, Mike (Australia - temperate climate)
Wait until the plant starts to die back or dies back in winter. About 20-26 weeks from planting.
Reply or Post a new comment
31 May 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
When you cut the pumpkin from the vine make sure you have some of the stem attached to the pumpkin.
Reply or Post a new comment
23 May 18, Pattie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've bought some Halloween pumpkin seeds to grow for Halloween 31/10) this year, it's late May now, when's the best time to plant these so they're ready a few weeks before Halloween?
Reply or Post a new comment
Showing 291 - 300 of 825 comments
See comments for all plants

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

Please provide your email address if you are hoping for a reply


All comments are reviewed before displaying on the site, so your posting will not appear immediately

Gardenate App

Put GardenGrow in your pocket. Get our app for iPhone, iPad or Android to add your own plants and record your plantings and harvests

Planting Reminders

Join 60,000+ gardeners who already use GardenGrow and subscribe to the free GardenGrow planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About GardenGrow | Contact us | Privacy Policy

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.
We cannot help if you are overrun by giant slugs.