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

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20 Apr 16, Linda (Australia - arid climate)
I would love to buy some Windsor black seeds Please contact me as my mother is wanting some Ty
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25 Sep 10, len freeman (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)
what causes the hard white growth in the ripe pumpkin
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09 Jul 10, Mike (United Kingdom - warm/temperate climate)
I have plants still growing from last year and producing new growth and flowers. Will these produce good fruit or should I tear them out and replant?
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20 Aug 10, Ray (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
It's getting a little for pumpkins now in the UK though you never know your luck. A lot will depend on the variety. Hand pollinate as soon as you can to have the best chance of ripe fruit before frost.
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07 Jun 10, Shane (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I just moved into a house and the weeds had over grown after clearing out the garden I found a healthy butter nut pumkin vine however I accidently ripped up the roots when clearing it out I have reburried the roots but the vine is dieing how can save it?
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16 Jun 10, Chris (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
If the roots were torn then it's probably a lost cause. You could try copious watering to try and save it, but it's late in the season now for pumpkins, anyway.
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03 Jun 10, pat (Australia - temperate climate)
i grew my japs by just throwing the inside of pumpkins under some dirt. got heaps of pumpkins but not sure what to do after picking to ripen them.
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20 Jun 10, johntone (Australia - temperate climate)
Store the pumpkins for a few months in the shade and they should be ok to use for making chutney, jam, scones,bread etc.Mine seem to last for about 8 months after being picked.Any that get some withering,make some pumpkin soup.yum - yum!
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23 May 10, alan wylie (Australia - temperate climate)
please advise on ripening after removing from vine jap pumpkins thank you
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23 May 10, Chris@Gardenate (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Alan, have a look at the comments from Pete and Jef - I think they answer this for you.
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Showing 721 - 730 of 825 comments
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I have grown pumpkins 2 years in a row that have hard white lumps in them, I have bought a plant both times so I am thinking it must be something to do with were they are growing. Any idea of what could be coursing this?

- Carina Powell

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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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