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

06 Apr 13, Des Harrison (Australia - temperate climate)
My vines develop small green pumpkins and after a week they turn yellow and fall off the stem. What is the problem?
22 May 22, Kristene (Australia - tropical climate)
They sound like they haven’t been pollinated.
07 Apr 13, Narelle (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I've had the same problem this year so would be interested to hear from others!
04 May 13, Brendan (Australia - tropical climate)
Lacking calcium. Soil pH is probably too low, feed it some Dolomite around the root zone. If the soil pH is ok, use Gypsum instead.
27 Mar 13, Anne (Australia - temperate climate)
PLease can you tell me why our pumpkin vines had know flowers consequently no fruit. suspect the soil not rich enough for them.
20 Apr 13, S Young (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Some pumpkins have male and female flowers...too much of one or the other or no pollination can cause flowers to die and no fruit. I also found with some of mine that a few really hot days and direct sun in the afternoon (west) that they cannot cope.
29 Mar 13, Forest Hill (Australia - arid climate)
Hi Anne - how long is the vine? Sometimes pumpkins put all their energy into growing and not into flowers. Try nipping off the terminal buds (ends) of each vine so they stop growing and they will put out flowers, although I suspect its too late in the season to do that now. the other thing to do it hceck if you have too much nitrogen (manure), which generates leafy growth. Try spreading some potassium (banana skins) around the base.
25 Mar 13, Laurie Thompson (Australia - temperate climate)
Windsor Black Pumpkin . Sylvia Allen did you have any luck with the Windsor Black Pumpkin for I want some seeds . This is a heritage pumpkin and was the Pumpkin emblem of Victoria . Herronswood ( Diggers also want this pumpkin seed . Did Karen have any success Laurie
29 Mar 13, Sylvia Allan (Australia - arid climate)
Dear Laurie, I had a really good vine and it was flowering male flowers first the female flowers were just forming, then came the rain 8 inches in a week our whole property was flooded & all my pumpkins rotted though I had harvested 50 varieties. Windsor black among other varieties that take 120 days, I lost, I was devastated because I didn't have anymore seed.Sorry Any one out there who can supply me some seed I would be ever so grateful, & pay well of course. Sylvia Allan.
25 Mar 13, JoeW (Australia - temperate climate)
I think the 'Pumpkin on vine' in the picture has detached from the vine. Also I would like to know where to get some Windsor Black pumpkin seeds Thanks
Showing 611 - 620 of 825 comments

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.