How to Grow Pumpkin in New Zealand
Needs real estate, as a single vine can sprawl several metres. Sow from October in Auckland on a compost heap or rich mound and let it run. Harvest once the stem is dry and corky and the skin is hard.
When to plant pumpkin in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | October, November |
| Auckland | October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | October, November |
| Wellington | November, December |
| Nelson & Marlborough | November, December |
| Canterbury | November, December |
| Otago & Southland | December |
| Central Otago | December |
Best pumpkin varieties for NZ
- Crown — Grey-skinned NZ favourite with dense sweet flesh, excellent keeper. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
- Butternut — Tan-skinned with sweet nutty orange flesh, compact and reliable. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mitre 10)
- Queensland Blue — Ribbed blue-grey skin, firm flavoursome flesh, stores well. (Egmont Seeds, Kings Seeds)
- Whangaparaoa Crown — Early-maturing grey crown type suited to NZ conditions, good keeper. (Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds)
How to grow pumpkin
- Space plants about 150cm apart.
- Sow seed around 3cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 120 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 8 days.
Companion planting
Grow pumpkin near: Corn, Beans, Nasturtium, Marigold.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Powdery mildew, Aphids, Green vegetable bug. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Pumpkin plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant pumpkin in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy pumpkin seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Seeds, Egmont Seeds, Mitre 10.