Pumpkin care guide
Cucurbita
Also known as: Winter squash, Squash
Pets and children
We haven't been able to confirm how this plant affects pets or small children. If any is eaten, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
How often to water Pumpkin
- Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
- Every 2 days
- In pots, water thoroughly once the topsoil dries, as a guide; it dislikes wet soil, so in the ground water only in dry spells.
- Autumn (Oct–Nov)
- Every 4 days
- Generally the crop is finishing; plants still carrying fruit get water about one to two days after the soil dries, as a guide.
- Winter (Dec–Feb)
- Every 7 days
- Generally out of season; seedlings raised indoors in early spring get a sparing watering once the soil dries.
Light and placement for Pumpkin
An airy spot outdoors with sun all day is about right; the vines run several meters, so allow room, and in a small space a mini variety in a large container trained up a net or supports generally works best.
Overwintering Pumpkin
Overwintering guide: 10°C (50°F) or above
A frost-tender annual that is not overwintered; as a guide, plant seedlings in late April or May once late frosts are past and finish with the summer to early autumn harvest, covering young plants on cold nights.
Fertilizing and repotting Pumpkin
Fertilizer
Go light on the base fertilizer, then feed once when the first fruit is about fist-sized and roughly monthly after that as needed; too much nitrogen gives vines and leaves instead of fruit.
When to repot
Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)
Common problems with Pumpkin
- Too much fertilizer gives long vines and no female flowers.
- Without pollination the young fruits yellow and drop.
- Powdery mildew spreads a white coating over the leaves and weakens the plant.
Tips for growing Pumpkin
- Hand-pollinating female flowers with a male flower early in the morning helps fruit set.
- Straw or a stand under each fruit keeps it from spoiling on the soil.
- Harvest when the stem turns dry and corky, then rest it in an airy place for a while for sweeter flesh.
These are AI-generated general guidelines. They vary with the variety, the placement and the pot size. For effects on pets or children, consult a veterinarian or a doctor.
Keep your plant log going
Greenery is a free app that keeps your plant care going, with watering reminders and photo records. Available on iOS and Android.
