Also known as Acorn Squash · Autumn Pumpkin · Bitter Bottle Gourd
Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo) is an annual vining plant grown for its large, edible, often orange fruits. Botanically a berry, it's a popular warm-season crop for culinary use
At-a-glance light, water, soil, and growing conditions from plant data
Full sun (6-8+ hours direct)
100% intensity
Consistent moisture, deep watering
80% intensity
Especially during fruiting
Well-draining, rich in organic matter, pH 6.0-6.8.
50% intensity
Warm season crop, 18-32 °C
80% intensity
Sensitive to frost
Outdoor
50% intensity
Regular feeding, especially during fruiting
70% intensity
Balanced initially, then high P/K
Safety information from plant toxicity data
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Toxic for humans | No 0/5 intensity |
| Toxic for pets | No 0/5 intensity |
| Edible | Yes |
Key traits and growing stats from plant data
Watering, pruning, propagation, and repotting details from plant data
Pumpkins require consistent and deep watering, especially once fruits begin to set and during dry periods. Aim for 2. 5-5 cm of water per week, ensuring the soil remains evenly moist but not waterlogged.
Water at the base of the plant to avoid wetting foliage, which can lead to fungal diseases. Reduce watering as fruits mature to prevent rot.
Pruning can help manage vine growth and improve fruit size. For larger pumpkins, limit the number of fruits per vine (e. g. , 1-3 per plant).
Pinch back the tips of vines once they reach the desired length to encourage side branching and fruit development. Remove any diseased or damaged leaves and maintain good air circulation.
Pumpkins are primarily propagated from seeds. Sow seeds directly into the garden after the last frost, when soil temperatures are consistently above 18°C. Plant 2-3 seeds together in hills, about 2.
5 cm deep, and thin to the strongest seedling once they emerge. Ensure adequate spacing for vine spread.
Repotting is generally not applicable for pumpkins as they are typically direct-sown annuals grown in the ground.
If starting seeds indoors, transplant seedlings carefully into the garden once they have developed 2-3 true leaves and outdoor conditions are favorable, minimizing root disturbance.
Avoid growing mature plants in pots due to their extensive root systems and vine spread.
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Monthly activity intensity for bloom and fruit across both hemispheres.
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Flowering & fruiting calendar
Photos of American Pumpkin (Cucurbita pepo)
14 known issues from plant disease data
Powdery mildew on Pumpkin causes white powdery patches on leaves and stems, leading to yellowing, drying, and reduced vine vigor.
Phytophthora blight in Pumpkin causes sudden wilting, dark water-soaked lesions on vines and fruit, and fast fruit collapse in wet fields.
Downy mildew in Pumpkin causes angular yellow leaf spots that turn brown quickly, with rapid leaf collapse and vine weakening.
Gummy stem blight on Pumpkin causes brown leaf spots and cracked stems with gummy ooze, often followed by fruit rot and vine decline.
Watermelon mosaic in Zucchini causes mottled leaves, stunted growth, and misshapen fruit with uneven color and poor quality.
Papaya ringspot in Zucchini causes mottled, distorted leaves and deformed fruit, reducing plant vigor and market quality.
Common names and botanical synonyms
Botanical classification
| Rank | Name |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Division | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Cucurbitales |
| Family | Cucurbitaceae |
| Genus | Cucurbita |
| Species | Cucurbita pepo |
Similar in genus Cucurbita
Answers based on plant encyclopedia data
