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

29 Jan 17, (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Pinch out the ends of the vines
21 Jan 17, Joanne (Australia - temperate climate)
My pumpkins are just forming "tenis ball size" with only 30days or less until it gets cold. I have planted late, November late but it's not made much difference to zucchini & cucumber but I'm hoping for mature pumpkins in 80days. Has anyone else had mature pumpkins by then?
26 Jan 17, John (Australia - temperate climate)
Depending where you live you would normally get warm weather into Mid-March. If the pumpkins aren't ripe by then make pumpkin soup and freeze the excess or grate them into zucchini recipe quantities and freeze them in stead of zucchini. Sorry I can't help more.
18 Jan 17, Ray (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
Is late January too late to plant pumpkin in Tauranga?
03 Feb 17, Steve (New Zealand - cool/mountain climate)
A year or so ago I was up that way from Christchurch for a holiday it was April, we saw heaps of people growing pumpkins so I would say go for it but keep them well watered as they like lots of water. And harvest when the first frost hits. Foot Note: I would start them of in seed trays first, in a glasshouse if you have one but not always necessary. If you where down here I would say no?
13 Jan 17, noluthando (South Africa - Summer rainfall climate)
I have grown some butternut and its already big in size im not sure if i should harvest or not.what should i look for before harvesting.the same goes for pumpkin its already size of a ball.its so hard and green on the outside
15 Jan 17, Andile (South Africa - Semi-arid climate)
Hi you know what Noluthando every crop takes 4 months to be ready, the first day you plant you must write down and count the days from day of planting and you will be able to know when to harvest, even the leaves show you when its time to harvest, they get dry from 3-4 months.
10 Jan 17, Jen (Australia - temperate climate)
When is the best time to plant pumpkins in Warrill View - near Ipswich please. Would it be too hot now?
16 Jan 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Pumpkins could be planted up until February providing you don't get frosts. Plants take up to 4 months to mature so work out when you are likely to have a frost, if any. Unripe pumpkins do not keep so if you get caught make pumpkin soup or shred them into batch quantities as you would for Zucchini Muffins or Slice and freeze them for later use. Trust this helps.
09 Jan 17, Joanne (Australia - temperate climate)
I planted pumpkins in early December & they are huge already & have long stalked male flowers not seen any female yet but am wondering if theirs still time for fruit to appear
Showing 451 - 460 of 833 comments

Like all curcubitae, planting time is when your soil is up to 20C. Definitely after all risk of frost is over

- Bev

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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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