Growing Pumpkin

Cucurbita sp. : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
  S S                  
        T              
        P              

(Best months for growing Pumpkin in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

23 Jul 19, (Australia - tropical climate)
Plant April to July.
03 Jul 19, Trevor Worth (Australia - temperate climate)
Can a Butternut Pumpkin be grown from a top only, and what would be the best method? I'd love to try it if there's a chance it may work. Thank you kindly.
04 Jul 19, (Australia - temperate climate)
I don't see it working. Stick some skewers in it and hang it in water.
02 Jun 19, Sue (Australia - arid climate)
Surprisingly I have pumpkin seeds growing in the shadehouse ??? Is there anyway i can encourage their growth or are they doomed
27 Apr 19, Lindsey (New Zealand - temperate climate)
I would like to grow some pepitas or other breed of squash that has an edible seed. Can you reccomend a type and tell me where i can buy seed, cheers Lindsey
22 Jul 19, Walter fargo (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Hi Lindsy. Try Kings seeds, they have two types of oil seed pumpkin (that is the type you want). Austrian Oil Seed Pumpkin and Pumpkin Lady Godiva. Be careful with the water when sowing the seed, as they have no husk they can rot if the soil is too wet.
26 Apr 19, skyler (USA - Zone 7b climate)
What time of year is it best to grow pumpkins at ?
28 Apr 19, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Have a look at this page https://www.gardenate.com/plant/Pumpkin
17 Apr 19, Virginie (Australia - temperate climate)
I have grown my first pumpkins this year, and they hung on the vine. Amazing, 3.8kg hanging! Now, my question is: if I store them outside, will the possum eat them? Thank you in advance
17 May 19, Vic (Australia - temperate climate)
Possums ate mine - so did the rats! So you need to store them where these sharp-toothed creatures cannot reach them.
Showing 201 - 210 of 825 comments

Ask a question or post a comment or advice about Pumpkin

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 Gardenate 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 Gardenate and subscribe to the free Gardenate planting reminders email newsletter.


Home | Vegetables and herbs to plant | Climate zones | About Gardenate | 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. Gardenate 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.