A two-year study considered the effect of pod harvesting intervals of 3, 5, 7, 9, 11 or 20 weeks after pod set (WAPS) on the relationship between the physical condition of the pods, seed maturation and quality in fluted pumpkin (Telfairia occidentalis). Pod characteristics, such as the intensity of bloom wax on the pod and stiffness of the pod ridges, showed perfect linearity and correlation with the age of the pod, whereas changes in seed quality factors – germination, dry matter, oil and protein concentrations were curvilinearly associated with the time of pod harvest. Thus, seed quality factors increased steadily up to nine WAPS then declined. The point at nine WAPS defined as physiological maturity for fluted pumpkin seed and approximate visible indications of this point in the field were fairly stiff pod ridge condition and fading of bloom wax.