Giant Pumpkin

Giant pumpkins are for show. These are not, as a general rule, big pie pumpkins. But if you have the time, energy, and enthusiasm to take on a giant pumpkin, here are the varieties you can consider. Keep in mind that some of these giant pumpkin varieties can far exceed their average weight. It all depends on the gardener, the garden, and how hungry the pumpkin is.

Sun exposure:

• Full sun (six to eight hours)

Soil pH:

• 6.5 to 7.0

Hardiness Zones:

• 3 to 10

Spacing:

• ideally 1,000 square feet per plant but if space is limited
  • 200 sq. ft. = 150# pumpkin
  • 400 sq. ft. = 350# pumpkin
  • 600 sq. ft. = 400-600# pumpkin
  • over 600 sq. ft. = 600#+ pumpkin

Moisture:

• 1 inch per week depending on rainfall

Notes:

• avoid windy, exposed sites
• fertilize every 2 weeks
• remove excess female flowers to concentrate growth on just a few select pumpkins
• protect pumpkins from direct sunlight so skin doesn’t get too leathery
• keep the bottom of the pumpkin from getting too wet to avoid fungus and mildew

Big Max

Days to maturity: 120
Diameter:                 20 inches or more
Weight:                      50 to 100 pounds
Skin:                             Orange
Vine:                            Very large
Comments:              Looks great on display; also good for canning

Big Moon

Days to maturity: 120
Diameter:                 Up to 40 inches
Weight:                     40 to 200 pounds
Skin:                            Orange
Vine:                           Very large
Comments:              Great show pumpkin; not great for eating

Dill’s Atlantic Giant

Days to maturity: 120
Diameter:                 Up to 3 feet
Weight:                     100 to 900 pounds
Skin:                            Orange
Vine:                           Very large
Comments:              Type of pumpkin you see winning blue ribbons at state fairs

Prizewinner

Days to maturity: 120
Diameter:                 20 inches or more
Weight:                     50 to 100 pounds
Skin:                            Orange
Vine:                            Very large
Comments:              Looks great on display; dependable growth

Have you ever grown giant pumpkins? Please tell us about your experiences with giant pumpkins.