Large pumpkins

Large pumpkins are big enough for some “wow!” factor, but not so big that you can’t harvest it yourself. Some are good for carving; others are good for eating.

Sun exposure:

• Full sun (six to eight hours)

Soil pH:

• 6.0 to 7.0

Hardiness Zones:

• 3 to 10

Spacing:

• 4 to 6 feet apart

Moisture:

• 1  inch per week depending on rainfall

Notes:

• direct sow after frost danger
• tighter spacing will yield smaller but more numerous fruit
• protect mature pumpkins from hard frost
• keep evenly moist

Aspen

Days to maturity: 90
Diameter:               9 to 12 inches
Weight:                    18 to 20 pounds
Skin:                          Rich orange
Vine:                          Semi-bush
Comments:             Plan to make some pumpkin soup, bread, and more

Connecticut Field (aka Big Tom)

Days to maturity: 115
Diameter:               12 inches
Weight:                    20 to 25 pounds
Skin:                          Orange
Vine:                          Large
Comments:             Good for carving and canning; America’s iconic pumpkin

Half Moon

Days to maturity: 115
Diameter:               12 inches
Weight:                    14 to 16 pounds
Skin:                          Orange
Vine:                          Large
Comments:             Half Moon has thick flesh; plan to cook

Howden

Days to maturity: 105
Diameter:               12+ inches
Weight:                    20 pounds
Skin:                          Dark orange
Vine:                          Medium
Comments:             Traditional jack-o’-lantern

Have you ever grown any of these varieties of large pumpkins? Please tell us about your experiences with this type of pumpkin.