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

11 May 14, Danielle (USA - Zone 8b climate)
Which varieties grow a large, round, and deep orange vegetable that can thrive in my area, and what's the best way to plant them?
Showing 21 - 21 of 21 comments

Hi David Before all the rain I had harvested about 60 varieties of pumpkin, all the types that get pumpkins on them about12 weeks I lost all the types that16-20 weeks. 2ndly. When you want to grow pumpkins true to variety, You have to hand pollinate You have to keep a well developed Female & also a male flower of the same variety closed by clip or a twisty tie, and get up early after sunrise & if the male flower pollen is soft And fluffy it is time, you Pic the male flower strip the petals away, open the female flower up & brush the pollen over the Females ovary, then close the female flower up again & tag it like Trombone X trombone 1-1-13. for other people reading this message The Female always has a baby pumpkin underneath the flower. And you close the male as well because bees & insects can contaminate the pollen with other varieties. Hope this answers your question. Sylvia.

- Sylvia Allan

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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. 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.
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