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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12 Dec 09, Lisa van der Lee (Australia - temperate climate)
I have some pumpkin seedlings given to me by a friend. Prepared the soil a few days ago and I can't wait to get them into the ground. First shot at growing them. My cucumbers have been really successful so I am motivated to try pumpkin as we eat it alot and the kids love it. Fingers crossed they grow well!
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30 Oct 09, Russ (Australia - temperate climate)
the female flower is the one with the small pumpkin at the base. the others are male. i usually break off bits of the center of the male flower with the pollen and drop it in the middle of the female flower. Sounds like the pine needles are acting like mulch and stopping the sandy soil from drying out as fast.
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13 Oct 09, Marlene Traynor (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I am from Brisbane, but I actually live in Spokane, WA, which is snow country. I manage to get one pumpkin to grow a year, which keeps me going in seeds. I also have the problem of lots of pumpkins start, but then they turn yellow and quit growing. How do you tell the difference between male and female flowers so that I can start self polinating. Also, we have sprinkler systems so I can either give them a lot of water, or a little water. What do they like. Our soil is sandy and gets very hot in the summer. By accident, I found that I have better luck if I throw the seeds in my pine needle pile. If anyone can email me any tips I would be very grateful. Pumpkins are my little bit of home that I have with me and I would hate to run out of seeds. Marlene
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03 Oct 09, Leota Cole (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
What is the MCClay pumpkin
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08 Sep 09, connor (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
my jarrahdale pumpkins have a rash or blotchy mark in the flesh what causes this please help me. its frustating grfowing a nice big pumpkin and cutting it open to find this.
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02 Sep 09, Amanda (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
To Martha May - re the possums, try Lap sang Soo Chong tea as strong as possible to spray around ( you can buy it at the supermarket) mix and allow to cool - put in spray bottle and spray around - won't hurt plants but believe possums hate it!
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27 Aug 09, Queen Vic (Australia - temperate climate)
Hi Folks. We have a strip about 2 metres wide between the house and a 2 metre high fence. It's on the SW side of the house so only sees sunshine late in the day. Do you thinks pumpkns (or anything else) would grow successfully there. We are close to the beach in Mandurah WA. Thanks.
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24 Aug 09, redneckplanter (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
anybody able to send any pumpkin seeds from the land down under to a limey in texas?lol seriously? lemmie know?thanks.
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23 Aug 09, mick (Australia - tropical climate)
our leaves are turning yellow and there is no white mildew on them wondering what is the cause lack of water or to much or whatever tips u can give us would be grateull
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24 Jul 09, Anneliese (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
anyone grown Thelma Sanders Sweet Potato? thoughts please
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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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