Pumpkin Growing Guide

Cucurbita pepo, Cucurbita moschata, Cucurbita maxima

Crop Rotation Group

Cucurbits (Squash family) ●

Soil

Rich soil with plenty of compost added.

Position

Sunny sheltered site.

Frost tolerant

No.

Feeding

Fortnightly liquid feed from mid summer onwards.

Spacing

Single Plants: 90cm (2' 11") each way (minimum)
Rows: 90cm (2' 11") with 90cm (2' 11") row gap (minimum)

Sow and Plant

Sow under cover in pots in mid spring. Transfer to larger pots if necessary. Plant out in late spring when no danger of frost.
Our Garden Planner can produce a personalised calendar of when to sow, plant and harvest for your area.

Notes

Towards the end of the summer raise the pumpkins off the ground by putting a piece of wood or similar under them to prevent rotting. Water roots generously in dry weather.

Harvesting

When the plant starts to die cut off the pumpkins leaving part of the stalk attached. Allow the skin to harden in the sun for a few days if wanting to store them in a frost-free place.