Pumpkin

Pumpkin

Curcubita maxima

Description

Depending on the species and variety, you can grow mini specimen all the way up to behemoths averaging hundreds of pounds on vines 20 to 500 ft. If size matters, and there is plenty of room, plant the heavy weight ‘Atlantic Giant’ or ‘Musquee de Provence for a 20 pounder resembling a brown ribbed wheel of cheese or ‘Jack Be Little’ for 3 in. cuties ideal for baking.

Care

Bloom Season

Spring-summer

Light

Full sun

Water

Water every 3 to 5 days around the plant’s base, not on the leaves

Pruning needs

Clip off any diseased or dead foliage; when harvesting, leave a 4 in. stem on the fruit

USDA/UK Planting Zones

All zones as an annual

Time of year to plant

Plant in late May or June

Soil type

Sow seeds in mounded, humus or mulch amended, well-draining soil

Height & Width

20-500 ft. long