Sprawling vines that ramble across the garden and reward you with heavy, sweet, long-keeping fruit. Give them room and a rich, sunny bed and they'll do the rest.
At a glance
- Plant type: Edible plant
- Mature size: 50 cm tall
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Pumpkin
Botanically, Cucurbita maxima is an fast-growing edible plant in the Cucurbitaceae family. It reaches around 50 cm tall at maturity.
Where to grow Pumpkin
Pumpkin suits warm-temperate, subtropical and tropical climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Pumpkin does best in free-draining and loamy soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Pumpkin is regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Pumpkin in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Pumpkin in the garden
Pumpkin earns its place for edible harvests.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Pumpkin with other plants that enjoy the same regular, moderate watering and warm-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
It is regarded as non-toxic and pet-safe.
Buying Pumpkin
Plant Sale lists Pumpkin as seed and seedlings. Stock isn't live yet — register your interest using the panel above and we'll email you the moment it is available.
Prefer to grow it yourself? See the Pumpkin seed sowing guide for depth, timing and germination.