Queensland Blue Pumpkins

My neighbours gifted me some of their Queensland Blue pumpkins last year and they were delicious. I saved the seeds and now I gift them to you! Like the Butternut, Queensland Blue pumpkins prefer warm weather and lots of sunshine so avoid frost-prone times, as pumpkins are frost-sensitive and need warmth to germinate and thrive.

1. Soil Preparation

Queensland Blue pumpkins require well-draining, rich, and fertile soil.

  1. Location: Choose a sunny spot with at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily.

  2. Soil Enrichment: Pumpkins are heavy feeders. A few weeks before planting, enrich the soil with plenty of organic matter like aged compost or well-rotted manure.

  3. pH Level: Pumpkins prefer a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH of 6.0-7.0. Amend the soil as needed.

  4. Mounding: Create mounds or hills for planting, which helps with drainage and encourages root development.

2. Planting from Seeds

Queensland Blue pumpkins grow well from direct-seeded planting, as they don’t transplant well.

  1. Spacing and Depth: Sow seeds about 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep. Plant 2-3 seeds per mound, spacing mounds about 1.5-2 meters (5-6 feet) apart, as pumpkins need room to spread.

  2. Thinning: After germination, thin to the strongest seedling per mound to reduce competition.

  3. Watering: Water seeds immediately after planting and keep the soil consistently moist (but not waterlogged) until they germinate in 7-14 days.

  4. Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants once they’re established to retain moisture and control weeds.

3. Planting from Seedlings

If using seedlings, handle them carefully, as pumpkins don’t like root disturbance.

  1. Spacing: Plant seedlings about 1.5-2 meters (5-6 feet) apart to allow room for sprawling vines.

  2. Planting Depth: Transplant at the same depth they were growing in pots.

  3. Watering: Water immediately after planting and keep the soil consistently moist to help the seedlings establish.

  4. Mulching: Apply mulch around the plants to help with moisture retention and weed control.

4. Care and Maintenance

  1. Watering: Pumpkins need consistent moisture, especially during flowering and fruiting. Water deeply, aiming for the soil around the roots (avoid wetting leaves to prevent fungal issues).

  2. Fertilizing: Every 3-4 weeks, apply a balanced, organic fertilizer to support growth. Switch to a phosphorus-rich fertilizer as the plants start flowering to promote fruit development.

  3. Pest Control: Watch for pests like aphids, pumpkin beetles, and caterpillars. Hand-pick pests or use organic pest control methods if needed.

  4. Vine Management: Allow vines to sprawl, or gently guide them to prevent overcrowding. Pinch back vines if they grow too large for your space.

5. Harvesting

Queensland Blue pumpkins are generally ready to harvest in 14-18 weeks. Harvest when:

  • The skin has turned a uniform blue-grey color.

  • The stem has started to dry and harden.

Cut the pumpkin from the vine, leaving a few centimeters of the stem attached for better storage. Cure in a warm, dry place for a week, then store in a cool, dry area.

If you have any questions or needing some additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can send me an email: aplotincommon@outlook.com or message me on Instagram. I would love to see some photos of your pumpkins!!

Tash xxx