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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11 Aug 08, brendan (Australia - temperate climate)
has anybody ever grown a pumpkin vine up a pergola or clothes line with any success, and if so, how is the best way to go about it? thanks.
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14 Jun 08, Rebecca (Unknown climate)
Thanks Liz. Tried the hand polinating. Fingers crossed. Still would like to know when I can tell my pumpkin is ready.to harvest.
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05 Jun 08, Liz (Unknown climate)
You can tell female flowers because they have a tiny pumpkin shape behind the flower even before fertilisation. You may also be suffering from a lack of bees, Rebecca, and need to hand pollinate.
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04 Jun 08, Rebecca (Unknown climate)
I have only managed to grow 1 pumpkin. Although I have a lot of follage. Not sure of which very variety it is. When do I harvest? How do you tell which is male or female?
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07 Mar 08, Donna (Unknown climate)
My baby pumpkins were dying on vine. Found out we needed to tickle female flowers with male ones to pollinate because we don't have enough bees.
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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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