Pumpkin Growing Guide
Pumpkins are a type of winter squash, traditionally known for their large, rounded, orange fruits. They are botanically classified as cucurbits and are closely related to squashes and courgettes, mainly varieties of Cucurbita pepo or Cucurbita maxima. Easy and fun to grow, they provide vibrant fruits for Halloween carving or winter storage. They are tender plants requiring a warm, sunny site and plenty of water.
This guidance applies to the crop in general. Individual varieties and local conditions can differ.
Planting information
Sow seeds indoors mid-to-late April. Use 7.5cm pots or modular trays filled with peat-free multi-purpose compost. Sow flat seeds on their side, 1cm deep, one seed per pot/module. Keep pots at 18–21°C in a heated propagator or on a warm, bright windowsill, covered with a clear polythene bag until germination. Water seedlings regularly and keep in bright light, repotting as roots fill the pot. Plant out after the last frost. Alternatively, sow seeds outdoors in late May or early June after the last frost. Prepare the ground, warm the soil with cloches or fleece for a couple of weeks beforehand. Sow two or three seeds per prepared site, 2.5cm deep, protecting with cloches or fleece. Remove weaker seedlings to leave only the strongest. After the last frost, harden off indoor-sown or newly bought plants to acclimatise them to outdoor conditions. Plant young plants into prepared ground, taking care not to disturb roots. Firm gently and water well. Space bush varieties 90cm apart and trailing varieties 1.5m apart. Protect from slugs and snails. Very compact bush varieties can also be planted one or two per growing bag or one in a container at least 45cm wide, filled with peat-free multi-purpose or soil-based compost. Ensure good air circulation.
Harvesting information
Let pumpkins mature and colour up on the plant before harvesting in autumn. Keep them on the plant as long as possible, but harvest before the first frost, or protect fruits with straw, fleece, or cardboard, as frosted pumpkins cannot be stored. Cut pumpkins from the plant with at least 10cm of stem still attached to prevent rotting. Prepare pumpkins for storage by laying them out in the sun for 7 to 10 days, either outdoors or in a greenhouse or coldframe, to harden (cure) their skins.
Storage information
Store fully ripened pumpkins in a well-ventilated place at 10–15°C, ensuring the fruits do not touch. Depending on the variety, they should keep for at least three months, and up to six in ideal conditions. Check them regularly for signs of deterioration or rot.