Water Needs: Pumpkins require consistent and deep watering, especially during the fruiting stage. Keep the soil evenly moist but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot.
Sunlight Needs: Full sun (6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily). Pumpkins thrive in warm, sunny conditions, which are essential for healthy growth and fruit development.
Time to Germinate: 7-10 days.
Seed Soaking: Soaking seeds overnight can help speed up the germination process but is not necessary.
Tray/Pot Recommendations: Start seeds directly in the garden or in large pots. If starting in pots, use ones that are at least 30 centimeters deep to accommodate the large root system.
Space Requirements: Space plants 1-2 meters apart in rows that are 2-3 meters apart to allow the vines plenty of room to spread. Pumpkins are vigorous growers and need ample space to thrive.
Temperature Requirements: Pumpkins prefer temperatures between 18-30°C. They do best in warm weather and should be planted after the last frost when the soil has warmed.
Best Growing Season: In Thailand, pumpkins can be grown from the beginning of the rainy season in June until February. The combination of warm temperatures and sufficient rainfall during this period provides ideal conditions for pumpkin growth.
Time to Harvest: 90-120 days. Harvest pumpkins when they have reached their full size and the skin is hard. Cut the fruit from the vine with a few centimeters of stem attached to extend storage life.
