Planting and Growing Guide for Pumpkin (Cucurbita sp.)
Description
Pumpkin are large trailing and spreading wine plants with edible yellow, bell-shaped flowers and large hard skinned fruit of various shapes, sizes and colors. Pumpkins are frost tender and grow best in warm conditions. Pumpkins are very sensitive to the cold. Most varieties require a lot of space to spread out and have a long growing season and so they take up a large area in home gardens.
Several varieties produce smaller fruits with softer skins that can be cooked whole. The larger varieties require the pumpkins to be cut and peeled. Harvest the pumpkin when the vines start to die off and the pumpkins stalks dry off. Leave a small section of stalk attached to the fruit. This helps prevent rot developing in the top of the fruit. Pumpkins can be stored for months in a cool, dry place with good ventilation. Pumpkins sometimes require hand pollination if the fruits are not setting well. Young crisp shoots and leaves and the flowers can be eaten. Pumpkin can be steamed, boiled, baked and even grilled or barbecued.
Planting Guide
Seed Depth: Sow seed 1 cm (1/2 inch) deep in seed trays in frosty areas. Plant out after 4-6 weeks when frosts have ceased. Or sow several seeds directly into mounds which have plenty of space around them for the vines to spread. Thin as required. Pumpkins require warm temperatures to germinate and produce good fruit
Space between plants: Space plants about 90-120 cm (3-4 feet) apart. Allow several feet between mounds. Do not overcrowd the plants to reduce likelihood of fungal problems. Good airflow around the vines is essential. When growing on a trellis, set plants at about 45 cm (18 inches) apart.
Harvest Time: Harvest in about 15-20 weeks, but small fruit can be picked earlier. The small shoots and leaves and the flowers can be picked earlier.
Hints:
- Water the base of the plant not the leaves and fruit to reduce the likelihood of moulds. Water frequently to avoid growth checks. Add a thick layer of mulch to retain soil moisture and even out soil temperatures. Mulch retains moisture, suppresses weeds, and discourages pests such as snails and slugs.
- Does best in full sun in warmer areas; part shade in hotter areas
- Frost tender, and frosts will kill the plants
- Feed regularly with liquid fertiliser or well-rotted manure as plants grow
- Does best in rich, well-drained soil with neutral to slightly acid pH (5.5-7.5)
- Plant groups of seed in batches every few weeks to get a continuous supply
- Pumpkin foliage is easily damaged and dried out in wind. Water frequently in hot weather as the plants will wilt.
- Pumpkins should be cured in the sun for about a week to toughen the skin before being put away for storage
Disclaimer: The PlantWhatWhen vegetable planting guide is only designed for use as a very general reference for home gardening purposes. It is not to be used for farming, markets or commercial activities of any kind whatsoever. We take absolutely no responsibility for the accuracy and adequacy of the information provided on this site. We recommend that you consider your local climate, weather patterns and conditions when deciding what and when to plant in your home garden. It's entirely your own decision. Happy Gardening and Best Wishes!