Now is a good time to sow Pumpkin. Follow the sowing guide below.
Growing Calendar
This month: May
Log to journalStart seeds indoors this week
- •Fill tray with compost
- •Sow seeds evenly
- •Cover lightly with soil
- •Water gently
- •Place in warm light spot
Watch Out For
Powdery mildew appears on leaves from late summer
improve airflow and avoid wetting foliage; remove badly affected leaves promptly
Slugs devastate young plants in wet weather
protect with copper tape or sharp grit and only plant out once plants are sturdy
Fruit left on wet soil will rot
raise on a tile or board as it swells and check underneath regularly
Grown Organically
Every method in this guide works with natural systems — no synthetic chemicals, no shortcuts.
Read our approachCommon Questions
About growing Pumpkin in the UK
When should I plant pumpkins outside in the UK?
Plant pumpkins outside from late May to early June, after the last frost. Start seeds indoors in April–May. Pumpkins need a long, warm growing season — in the UK, starting early under glass is important for reliable harvest before autumn frosts.
How many pumpkins does one plant produce?
Most pumpkin varieties produce 2–4 fruits per plant in a good year. For very large pumpkins, thin to 1–2 fruits per plant to direct all energy into size. For a large crop of smaller pumpkins, leave 3–4 fruits per plant.
Why is my pumpkin not setting fruit?
Poor fruit set is usually due to insufficient pollination (not enough bees visiting) or cold, wet weather during flowering. Hand-pollinate by transferring pollen from a male flower (no swelling behind the petals) to a female flower (tiny pumpkin behind the petals) using a small brush.
When are pumpkins ready to harvest?
Harvest pumpkins when the skin has hardened and cannot be dented with a fingernail, the stem has begun to dry and cork over, and the colour is fully developed. In the UK, harvest before the first hard frost — typically September to October.
Member guides
There's more to growing Pumpkin than this guide covers.
Seasonal reminders, deeper guides, and the small adjustments that change a harvest.
