Its fall, youre reading the paper and suddenly your eye is drawn to a picture of this giant orange thing about the size of a pickup truck with a guy half its size standing next to it grinning like a lunatic. Boy, Id like to grow me one of those, you think. Lets not quibble over whether this is a squash or a pumpkin; if its going to take up half your backyard, it can have a name of its own. The point is, its big. We sell only the true cultivar developed by Howard Dill of Windsor, Nova Scotianot someone elses imitation. Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkin is a smash!

8 seeds

PLANTING

Cucurbita maxima

Germination:7-10 days

Germination Temperature:Optimum soil temperatures 70-90F. Planting in soil under 70Fmay result in poor germination.

Seed Sowing Depth: -1 deep

Starting Indoors:3-4 weeks before last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cells/pots, thin to strongest seedling. We like to use individual biodegradable paper, peat, or cow pots because it provides the least amount of stress to the roots when transplanting. Transplant after last frost when soil warms to 70F. Space36–48 apart, in rows 48-60 apart.

Sowing Outdoors:After last frost when soil reaches at least 70F. Sow 2-3 seeds per space/hill, 36-48 apart, in rows 48-60 apart.

How much does a packet plant:12-15foot single row, 4-5 hills

Harvest:When skin turns color and rinds are hard. Leave a few inches of the stem on for best storage potential.

Tips:Heavy feeders, requiring high nitrogen.Plant Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkin into fertile soil or amend with compost or manure. Heavy water needs, mulch and supply adequate water, at least 1 per week for optimum growth.