Your comments and tips

11 Apr 17, Jack (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

There is not a lot of chance getting a crop of pumpkins now as Autumn is setting in. harvest all the small pumpkins that you can and treat them like zucchini's (they are in the same family) and start earlier next season. In a lot of areas we haven't had a lot of Summer to help development and ripening.

Reply or Post a new comment

10 Apr 17, Raymond (New Zealand - temperate climate)

I am retired and live in Masterton and would like to grow pumpkins for a little extra income.My father grew triable variety in New Plymouth.Can they grow down here. Thanks

Reply or Post a new comment

11 Apr 17, John (Australia - sub-tropical climate)

You should be able to grow pumpkins successfully in Masterton. About four years ago a little chap (3) from Masterton won the biggest pumpkin competition run by Mitre 10. To get a good start plant the seeds in toilet paper cylinders filled with potting mix and kept on a sunny windowsill. You could start them in mid-October ready to plant out in early November. Plant the cylinder as well to save any root disturbance (it will rot). Triamble is a great old variety. If you can get seed of 'Queensland Blue' it will probably give you a higher net yield per plant at an average of 17 kg. Properly ripened pumpkins always sell well. Try pubs, restaurants, etc. All the best.

Reply or Post a new comment

25 Apr 17, Raymond (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Many thanks for your helpful comments

Reply or Post a new comment

02 Oct 17, Heather (New Zealand - temperate climate)

Hi. A friend once gave me a triable pumpkin, it was firm when cooked and very tasty. He said that they take a long time to mature

Reply or Post a new comment

25 Mar 17, Rocco Zappia (Australia - temperate climate)

Good Day which month is good to plant "Halloween Pumpkin"

Reply or Post a new comment

27 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)

The best time to plant pumpkins, squash, zucchinis, cucumbers, etc is when the soil temperature is 15-17 degrees. This is around the end of October in the southern states. Many people say 'after the Grand Final' or 'Melbourne Cup' time.

Reply or Post a new comment

24 Mar 17, Peter Turner (Australia - temperate climate)

Planted Karadle Gray pumpkins late spring, they are still growing and prducing female flowers. it is now late March, when will they die of so we can pick the fruits. Peter

Reply or Post a new comment

24 Mar 17, Jack (Australia - temperate climate)

The likelihood of them ripening is fairly slim unless you don't get any frosts until late May. The vines will normally start to die off when they are ready. If you run out of time use them to make pumpkin soup or grate them to use in place of zucchinis in cakes or savoury muffins. Next season plant your seed in toilet paper cylinders or egg cartons so they will be ready to plant out in late October. Plant cylinder or egg 'cell' as well as it will rot.

Reply or Post a new comment

20 Mar 17, Barbara Sharp (New Zealand - sub-tropical climate)

Hi, there are pumpkins in garden with big flowers, about 7 crab apple size fruit on each of 5 trailing stems. In Dunedin, what care do they need to produce good fruit.. ie reducing amount of stems, reducing fruit on stems, mulching etc. Have lots of healthy green leaves, have kept them watered and off the ground on boards. Thanks for any advice you can offer. Last year possums got to my only beautiful pumpkin just as it was ready to harvest, so need to cover them this year!! Thanks Barbara

Reply or Post a new comment