Your comments and tips

24 Mar 17, Peter Turner (Australia - temperate climate)

Planted Karadle Gray pumpkins late spring, they are still growing and prducing female flowers. it is now late March, when will they die of so we can pick the fruits. Peter

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24 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)

The likelihood of them ripening is fairly slim unless you don't get any frosts until late May. The vines will normally start to die off when they are ready. If you run out of time use them to make pumpkin soup or grate them to use in place of zucchinis in cakes or savoury muffins. Next season plant your seed in toilet paper cylinders or egg cartons so they will be ready to plant out in late October. Plant cylinder or egg 'cell' as well as it will rot.

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20 Mar 17, Barbara Sharp (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Hi, there are pumpkins in garden with big flowers, about 7 crab apple size fruit on each of 5 trailing stems. In Dunedin, what care do they need to produce good fruit.. ie reducing amount of stems, reducing fruit on stems, mulching etc. Have lots of healthy green leaves, have kept them watered and off the ground on boards. Thanks for any advice you can offer. Last year possums got to my only beautiful pumpkin just as it was ready to harvest, so need to cover them this year!! Thanks Barbara

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21 Mar 17, Jonno (Australia - temperate climate)

You are listed as sub-tropical but also mention Dunedin. If you live in Dunedin it may be too late for the pumpkins to ripen before winter sets in. Pumpkins need about 4-5 months of good growing weather to do really well. The best way to grow pumpkins in areas where the seasons are shorter is to plant them in toilet paper cylinders filled with mix about 3 weeks before the last frost is expected. Stand the cylinders in a container (for watering) and keep them in a sunny spot inside. As soon as the soil is warm enough, about mid November in Dunedin I would think you could plant them out (cylinder included, it will rot. Removing the growing tips when a few pumpkins have formed will definitely help the pumpkins to grow a good size. If the pumpkins don't develop enough this year grate them and use them instead of zucchini in cakes or savoury slice or muffins. Trust this helps.

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19 Mar 17, Pieter Mentoor (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)

Like to know when can i plant giant pumpkin in the western cape

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20 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)

Pumpkins will grow in almost any areas as long as you have at least 5 months of good weather. They can be planted after the last frost (if you get frosts) and don't like being transplanted so plant them in small pots or toilet paper cylinders in early spring in a warm spot or inside to get a head start. If you use cardboard cylinders you can plant them in the ground and let the cylinder rot.

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14 Mar 17, Paul Tracey (Australia - temperate climate)

I see from the Gardenate planting guide that the planting time for pumpkins is September to December. I purchased butternut pumpkin seedlings from Bunnings in February. Is the selling of such seedlings out of step with the recommended planting season unethical? The seedlings have grown and there are currently 3 pumpkins visible. I am concerned that by planting them outside the recommended period they will not mature to completion.

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21 Apr 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

Hi there, depending where you live I read on an abc gardening page in a sub tropical environment that pumpkins could be grown throughout the year .I put mine in late decmber and they are simply powering along with many fruit now softball size .I hope this helps.

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15 Mar 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)

Pumpkins are best planted when soil temperatures have reached 15-17 degrees C. This varies between climate zones, Australia is a large country. A soil thermometer is aa good investment to check this. They usually cost around $20.00. If you plant seedlings in February you would need to have about 4 frost-free months to harvest. As for ethics many companies sell what looks good or what people want. Tomato plants are available in Victoria as early as July. They will not do well until mid to late October when the soil has warmed up and many will die. This suits the seedling growers as they will sell more plants as replacements. Having said that if you have a sheltered spot you could get tomatoes going earlier. The best thing to do is to check the planting times on this site relevant to your area and don't be tempted by what's on offer.

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13 Mar 17, Gary Williamson (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)

Try some heritage pumpkins. Seeds on bid or buy or direct from Seeds For Africa or Livingseeds. Remember as much compost as you can use. If possible plant straight into the compost heap. Watch for powdery mildew when night temperatures go down or long wet humid weather prevails. It will knock your plants down in days.

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