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

Feed with a slow release organic fertiliser when flowers begin forming. Fortnightly liquid feed from mid summer.

Spacing

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

Sow and Plant

In frost areas, sow under cover in seed trays in early spring. Plant out after last frosts. In frost free areas sow directly into the soil in early spring.
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 squash 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 squash leaving part of the stalk attached. Allow the skin to harden in the sun for a few days if wanting to store them