GardenHow to grow pumpkin (kaddu)
कद्दू. When to sow it in each part of India, how deep, how far apart, what size of pot, and what to watch for.
When to sow
North and central plainsJanuary to March, June and July
South and coastal IndiaJune and July, December and January
HillsApril and May
Green months are the usual sowing or planting time. Dates shift by a few weeks from place to place.
How to sow and grow
- Method
- Sow the seed straight where the plant will grow.
- Depth
- 2.5 cm
- Spacing
- One plant; the vine runs 3 metres or more
- In a pot
- Best in the ground or in a tub of 50 litres or more, with room to spread
- Sprouts in
- 6 to 10 days
- Harvest
- 90 to 120 days
- Sun
- Full sun: at least 6 hours a day
Tips from the garden
- Pumpkin needs space more than anything. Let the vine run along the terrace floor or over a shed roof.
- Hand pollinate in the early morning if fruits are not setting: female flowers have a tiny pumpkin behind them.
- For storing, harvest when the stalk dries and the skin cannot be dented with a fingernail. Keep a few centimetres of stalk on.
What can go wrong
Young fruits that yellow and drop were not pollinated. More flowers and a few bees, or a soft brush, solve it.
Sown around the same time
New to growing from seed? Read how to sow seeds and the balcony and terrace garden guide.
Questions people ask
When is pumpkin sown in north India?
In the plains of north and central India, the usual sowing or planting months for pumpkin are January to March, June and July.
How long does pumpkin take to grow?
Usually 90 to 120 days.
Can pumpkin be grown in a pot?
Yes. Best in the ground or in a tub of 50 litres or more, with room to spread.