Winter Squash Pumpkin, Japanese Pumpkin, Oriental Pumpkin, Hubbard Squash, Kabocha, Kamokamo, Buttercup Squash

Cucurbita maxima

Winter Squash belongs to the Cucurbita genus. Winter Squash is also known as Pumpkin, Japanese Pumpkin, Oriental Pumpkin, Hubbard Squash, Kabocha, Kamokamo, Buttercup Squash

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The Winter Squash Plant Wiki

All details in our wiki have been kindly provided by our members.

Pumpkins grow on a spreading vine which may be trained to spread over a trellis or the roof of a building (shed, veranda). Generally they are grown at ground level where they may spread anywhere between a 1metre and 5 metres, depending on the variety.

Winter Squash belongs to the Cucurbita genus.

pumpkin

How to grow and keep Winter Squash happy

In some circumstances fruit may rot and fall off before gaining any size, small losses are not necessarily a concern. If this problem persists then it may be attributed to a lack of pollination which can be remedied by hand pollinating. In the early morning, take a male flower (generally on a long stalk, no fruiting body present) and apply it to the female flower (small bulb or fruiting body, at the base of the flower) so as to transfer pollen from male to female, thus mimicking the action of pollinating insects.

Water the plant by dripper or applying water directly at soil level (soaker hose, etc.), no splashing, misting or spraying foliage. Do this sometime between sunrise and before sundown, to allow humidity levels around the plant to stabilise and reduce fungi disease problems.

Powdery mildew may become a problem if humidity becomes too high – try a weekly spraying of a water and milk solution (1 part milk: 9 parts water) over the leaves at the first signs of mildew.

USDA Zone Range Which zones does Winter Squash grow best in? 10 - 12 pH Range The level of acidity for Winter Squash. 6.1 - 7.5
Water Requirements How much water does Winter Squash require? Medium Nitrogen Requirements How much nitrogen fertilizer does Winter Squash need? Medium
Soil The type of soil that Winter Squash needs. ? Sun How much sunlight does Winter Squash need to grow? Full Sun
Min. Air Temperature The lowest air temp to grow Winter Squash in. ? Max. Air Temperature The highest air temp to grow Winter Squash in. ?

How to sow and germinate Winter Squash

Seed will generally sprout with no assistance, however if the seed coating has not naturally cracked, light scarifying with sand paper may be used if germination issues occur.

How to transplant Winter Squash

Direct seed when soil has warmed up. Ideal range is 21 to 35°C ( 70 to 95°F)
May be grown and transplanted as young seedlings.

How to harvest Winter Squash

Companion plants for Winter Squash

These plants will grow well with Winter Squash:

Repellent plants for Winter Squash

These plants will not grow well with Winter Squash so avoid planting these within close proximity:

Common Winter Squash pests

These pests are known to attack Winter Squash plants:

Common Winter Squash diseases & problems

These problems and diseases are known to effect Winter Squash plants:

How long does Winter Squash take to grow?

These estimates for how long Winter Squash takes to sprout, grow and harvest are from real observations from real gardeners, right around the world. Start logging and journaling your observations to participate!

When should I sow or plant Winter Squash?

These estimates are relative to your last frost date. Enter your frost dates and we'll calculate your sowing and planting dates for you!

Winter Squash Etymology

The word pumpkin originates from the word pepon, which is Greek for “large melon". The French adapted this word to pompon, which the British changed to pumpion and later American colonists changed that to the word we use today, “pumpkin". ¹, ²