Pumpkins, Squash & Zucchini
Pumpkins and squash are long-lasting, hardworking produce staples available year-round. Their peak season in Victoria falls in autumn, offering exceptional flavour and value.
Zucchinis, though often grouped with cucumbers visually, are actually closer relatives of pumpkins and perform similarly in the kitchen. They’re best from spring to early summer, when local Victorian crops deliver consistent size and firmness. Outside these months, they’re sourced from northern regions — expect price bumps and occasional softness.
Peak Season: Pumpkins – March to June; Zucchini – October to January
Common & readily available varieties: Butternut, Kent (Jap), Grey, Queensland Blue, Green Zucchini
Heirloom & Specialty Varieties: Golden Zucchini, Black Beauty, Spaghetti Squash, Lebanese Zucchini, Hungarian Blue, Jarrahdale, Bohemian, Golden Nugget, Australian Butter
Off Season: Pumpkins are readily available due to long shelf life; zucchini may be imported or grown under cover
Storage tips: Keep pumpkins and squash in a cool, dry, well-ventilated space. Once cut, wrap tightly and refrigerate. Zucchini should be kept in the coldest part of your fridge or coolroom and used within 4–6 days.
| PUMPKINS, SQUASH & ZUCCHINI | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Butternut Pumpkin | 🟠 OK | 🟠 OK | 🟡 Good |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🟠 OK |
| Kent/ JAP Pumpkin | 🟠 OK | 🟠 OK | 🟡 Good |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🟠 OK |
| Jarradale Pumpkin | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
| Queensland Blue Pumpkin | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
| Golden Nugget | 🟠 OK | 🟠 OK | 🟡 Good |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🟠 OK |
| Zucchini (Green) | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
| Zucchini (Yellow) | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
| Pattypan Squash | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
| Delicata | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
| Acorn Squash | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
| Turban Squash | 🔴 Poor | 🔴 Poor | 🟠 OK |
🟡 Good | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟢 Best | 🟢 Best | 🟢 Best |
🟡 Good | 🟠 OK | 🔴 Poor |
🟢 Best Quality, Stable Price & Locally-Grown
Peak-season local produce at its freshest and most affordable. Excellent flavour, long shelf life, and reliable availability. Ideal for premium menus and consistent plating.
🟡 Good Quality, Variable Price
Often sourced from interstate. Still high quality, but pricing can shift depending on supply volumes and freight. A solid option with manageable cost.
🟠 OK - Variable Quality, Volatile Pricing
Typically freighted from distant states (QLD, WA or NT). Quality may be inconsistent, and pricing often fluctuates based on weather, fuel, and logistics. Use with caution in cost-sensitive menus.
🔴 Poor - Limited Supply, High Cost, and Imported
Availability is low or highly unpredictable. Often imported from overseas, resulting in shorter shelf life, lower flavour, and premium pricing. Suitable only for specialised or non-negotiable menu items.