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

14 Sep 18, Mike (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
Above it says 15-20 weeks to harvest. Take notice of when to plant and how long to harvest.
17 Mar 18, Hank Vanderwaarden (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Just picked my pumkins last week 10/3/18, after the vine died off, have them sitting on the veranda out of the sun and just want to know how long to leave them before they can be eaten.
01 Apr 18, Grant Onysko (Australia - temperate climate)
Just make sure the attaching stem has hardened up and gone brown, I still have pumpkins over a year old, keep them inside if you can, all you have to do is pick them when they are ripe. Cheers
30 Mar 18, Stephen G (Australia - temperate climate)
I left Butternut pumpkins harvested March 2017 out for about ten days before storing in a cellar. We picked 98. They were still excellent for 9 months, and we have just finished off the last 12 months later. No longer 100%, but we are not complaining.
18 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Straight away. Keep them in a cool place and they will be good to eat for a few months.
08 Mar 18, Mick (Australia - arid climate)
Hi planted my pumpkins in mid February, very healthy vine but very few female flowers and the ones that do arrive fall off before they get the chance to open.
10 Mar 18, Darren (Australia - temperate climate)
Listening to all the gardening experts, this year has been poor for pumpkins, for whatever reason. Persevere with watering and feeding, as mine are just starting to fruit now. Regular liquid fertilizer should get them going fro you.
14 Mar 18, ron (Australia - temperate climate)
Female flowers usually blossom the day after rain be sure to snap off a male flower and pollinate. You may have some success if you leave to later in the day but have found the morning offers the best result. We had 6 pumpkins this year off a small plant.
09 Mar 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Planted mid Feb - that is only 3-4 weeks ago. I would give it some time to let the plant grow. Read back 20-30 comments here. Male flowers first then female. You are arid - maybe too hot. Consider when it is a bit cooler.
08 Mar 18, Annette (Australia - temperate climate)
I thought I’d give growing Butternut Pumpkin a go but planted them in January. They’ve all grown & have big leaves. I know I planted them late but was wondering if I will I get pumpkins growing from these plants? Or have I wasted my time?
Showing 321 - 330 of 825 comments

Brendan, I have seen a pumpkin vine that took over a paling fence Approx 15mts. But all the fruit grew on the neighbours side. Lucky we got to share

- wayne

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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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