Cucurbita maxima
Go for the neighborhood record! Big Max can weigh up to 100 lbs. with a light orange, easy-to-carve skin. Allow 120 days to harvest for maximum size.
5g.
Light | Full sun |
Row spacing | 8 feet |
Plants per hill | 2-3 |
Planting depth | 1-1.5 inches |
Days to germination | 8-30 |
Plant height | 8 foot vines |
Gardener’s Notes: Start seeds indoors 3 weeks before the last frost, or plant directly outdoors in springs after the last frost. Grow in fertile, well-drained soil. Sow 4-6 seeds in a 12-inch circle. Thin to 2-3 plants before vines begin spreading. Water and fertilize regularly when pumpkins form. For biggest pumpkins, keep only one pumpkin per vine. Harvest when vines die, rind is hard, stems are brown and dry.