What is a Giant Pumpkin?
A Giant pumpkin is simply a Cucurbita pepo that is larger in size than the ordinary autumn pumpkin . Contrary to what the name suggests , there is no literal difference between a Giant pumpkin and any other Cucurbita pepo in terms of taste or nutritional value . However , Giant Cucurbita pepo do lean to have more material body than smaller pumpkins , making them a good option for pumpkin pies , soups , and other lulu . It can also be roast , mashed , or cooked in soup .
While the name might be self - explanatory , some may be wonder what sets a “ Giant pumpkin ” apart from your average gourd vine . The result : size of it . Giant pumpkins are , unsurprisingly , larger than your intermediate autumn pumpkin . They can weigh anywhere from 50 to several hundred hammer .
The flesh of Giant Pumpkin is orange and is suppose to be angelic and more flavoursome than other case of wintertime squash . What makes the Giant pumpkin so peculiar is its gamey levels of beta - provitamin A . genus Beta - carotene is a potent antioxidant that is converted into vitamin A in the organic structure . Vitamin A is authoritative for maintaining healthy tegument , pilus , nail and eyes . It is also of the essence for dear imaginativeness , salubrious growth and ordinance of the immune organization . If you are looking for a good pumpkin vine to cook with , go for the Giant pumpkin vine !
Which types of Giant pumpkin are best for growing?
If you ’re looking to grow a giant Cucurbita pepo , there are a few specific types you should examine . We commend take a pumpkin vine that ’s bred for large size , such as the Atlantic Giant . Other types that incline to bring out large pumpkins are the Connecticut Field , the Douglas , and the Prizewinner . verify to choose a pumpkin variety that ’s resistant to both powdery and downy mildew , as these are the most common diseases that can strike pumpkin plant .
Tips for growing giant pumpkins
Pumpkin vine will grow speedily in the lovesome weather and postulate mess of blank space to sprawl . They can strain 20 foot or more in duration . Soil should be fecund and well - drained , and furnish plenty of elbow room for the roots to grow . pumpkin need at least 8 hours of sunshine per sidereal day . If you be in a ice chest mood , you’re able to arise your autumn pumpkin in a greenhouse or on a porch that gets full sunlight . In the former point of increment , pumpkins ask plenteousness of water . Once the fruit begins to take shape , you’re able to reduce the lachrymation frequency , but be sure to keep the grease moist . pumpkin are quick to reap when they are a deep orangeness coloration and the stem begins to shoot easily .
Ideal Soil For Growing Giant Pumpkin
When get a giant autumn pumpkin , there are several matter that need to be done before the first seed is planted . Soil grooming is essential because right soil condition will lead to salubrious works with large chances of producing good yields of elephantine pumpkins .
The right mix of nutrients , drain and organic issue are key as they will help your pumpkin vine boom and reach its maximum size of it . Pumpkin plant life need a land that is well drained and has plenty of constitutional matter . If your territory is cadaver or loamy with too much moisture , you’re able to supply organic matter such as manure , compost or peat moss to facilitate improve the natality and drainage of the dirt .
Another matter to keep in intellect is pH levels . Giant pumpkin vine do good in a slightly acidic soil . A grime with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0 is ideal for pumpkins . A soil with a pH below 6.0 will bring out small pumpkins . A soil with a pH above 7.5 will bring on great pumpkin vine but the plants will be more susceptible to disease . If your soil is too basic , you could add together some acidifying agents like sulphur , aluminum sulphate , or iron sulphate to your dirt . A soil pH measure can help you determine if the soil is acid enough for Giant Pumpkin refinement .
Generally , a soil analytic thinking is the ripe way to determine the specific food your soil is miss . If you ’re lacking magnesium , add Epsom salts to your soil . If you call for more N , you could summate urea or ammonium ion sulphate . If the grease is too piquant , leach the filth by flooding it and allowing it to drain for a 24-hour interval or two .
Ideal Temperature to Grow Giant Pumpkins
One of the most important thing to turn over when growing giant pumpkins is the temperature . Giant pumpkins ask a lot of heating system to grow , so the ideal temperature is between 70 and 80 level Fahrenheit . In other parole , daytime temperatures should be in the upper LXX and 80s ( Fahrenheit ) for the vine to grow best . At Nox , the temperature should be in the mid-50s . If the temperature is too cold , the growth will slow down and the pumpkin may not get hold of its maximal size . If the temperature is too raging , the pumpkin may become sunburnt or even rot . Make certain to keep an optic on the weather forecast and adjust your watering and fertilizing docket accordingly .
How do I water my giant pumpkin?
When it comes to watering a elephantine autumn pumpkin , plenty of water is definitely better . The plants demand a lot of water to grow those big , riotous vines . Therefore , there ’s no need to gall over how to irrigate your giant pumpkin . Simply take a garden hosiery and water it good . check that the pumpkin vine is getting plenty of water at least once a daylight . If you ’re implicated that your pumpkin is not getting enough water supply , look at using a alky hosepipe to water it from the bottom up . This will check that the pumpkin is able to get the body of water it needs from the roots up .
The best style to decide how much urine your giant Cucurbita pepo need is to check the filth moisture day by day . If the top inch of soil is ironic , it ’s fourth dimension to piss . Overwatering can be just as harmful as under watering , so be certain to check the soil moisture on a regular basis and only body of water when necessary .
You will necessitate to irrigate your pumpkin on a regular basis , calculate on the weather and soil conditions . If it ’s live and sunny , your pumpkin will ask more water . If it ’s raining or the dirt is sozzled , you will need to water less often . In general , aspire to irrigate your pumpkin vine every day or every other day .
The best time to irrigate them is in the sunrise or evening , when the sun is n’t shining straight on them . Whether you are using a watering can or a garden hosiery — just make indisputable the water supply is flowing steadily and that you ’re watering the full industrial plant , include the leaves and the stem .
Fertilizing a Giant Pumpkin
There are many types of plant treatments that can be used on jumbo pumpkins . Fertilizers are the most common character of treatment and are used to total essential nutrients to the grunge . There are many dissimilar types of fertilizers useable , so it ’s important to choose one that ’s suited for your specific pauperization .
When it come to fertilise a jumbo pumpkin , you ’ll want to make certain to use a in high spirits - nitrogen fertilizer . This will aid to advertize foliage growth and support the pumpkin ’s development . There are a few dissimilar plant discussion you could use , but we recommend a balanced fertilizer that include nitrogen , phosphorus , and K ( NPK ) . For a gargantuan autumn pumpkin , you ’ll desire to use a fertilizer with a high nitrogen content — something like a 20 - 10 - 10 ratio . During the growing time of year , fertilise your plant every two weeks .
One popular type of plant treatment is called foliar eating . With foliar feeding , you spray a liquified fertilize on to the leave-taking of the plants . This provides the plants with a nimble encouragement of nutrients . Foliar feeding is a great way to give your plants a little spare boost when they involve it .
It is best to fertilize your pumpkin plants when they are youthful , so that they have metre to absorb the nutrients and grow big and unassailable . Make certain to show the instructions on the fertiliser packaging , as you do not want to over - fertilise your plants . Doing so can really damage them and sham the quality and size of your pumpkins .
How to plant Giant Pumpkin in the soil
Here are some tips on planting your Giant Pumpkin :
How to grow a giant pumpkin in a pot
While giant pumpkin are typically maturate in the ground , you could also uprise them in pots ! If you have limited space or hold up in an field with challenging conditions conditions , growing your pumpkin in a pot is a great choice . All you call for is a big stack ( minimum of 30 Imperial gallon ) with plenty of organic matter ( like compost or aged manure ) and skilful drain . turn back the kitty often to check that the stain is moist but not tight , and give your pumpkin plenty of water as it grows .
Harvesting of Giant Pumpkin
Now that your jumbo Cucurbita pepo is growing big and strong , it ’s time to think about harvesting it . While the accurate sentence will count on your climate and the size of your pumpkin , most pumpkins are ready to harvest around the end of September or other October . Ideally , the pumpkin will be a bright orange color and will palpate steadfast to the soupcon . If it ’s still fleeceable , it ’s not ready yet . To harvest your pumpkin , cut the vine about 6 in from the pumpkin using a sharp tongue . Be careful not to damage the pumpkin itself . In other words , be very careful not to burn the vine too close to the pumpkin , or it will die and the pumpkin will rot .
If you ’re planning on storing your pumpkin for a while , you ’ll need to bring around it first . This is a operation of dry out the pumpkin out so that it lasts longer .
When it comes to peck the perfect pumpkin for carving , size does weigh . await for one that is at least the size of a playground ball . Avoid pumpkins that are diffuse , have mold or are get going to decompose . Once you ’ve chosen your pumpkin , it ’s time to start harvesting .
Pests Commonly Associated With Giant Pumpkin
Pumpkin common borers
The most unwashed pest affect giant pumpkin are the pumpkin common rock drill . The larvae burrow into the pumpkin , feeding on the flesh and cum . Not only does this damage the pumpkin , it can also lead to the growth of fungus . As the name indicate , these borers are unwashed and can be difficult to get rid of . debar this problem by using a good calibre pesticide and by scrutinize your autumn pumpkin on a regular basis for any signs of terms .
Pumpkin vine borers
Pumpkin vine borers are the most uncouth pest affecting pumpkins . The larvae of these pests burrow into the pumpkin vines , killing the plants . preindication of a borer plague include wilting vines , yellowish leaves and humble holes in the stem of the pumpkin vine . There are several ways to check these pests , include using organic pesticide , take away the vine after the pumpkins have been harvested and destroy the pupae .
Pumpkin stem - fret flies
One of the most frustrating pests to deal with is the Cucurbita pepo stem - galling fly . These tiny fly lay testicle on the pumpkin stalk , and the think up larvae tunnel into the stem , girdling it and eventually shoot down the pumpkin vine . In other words , adult flies lay eggs on the fore of pumpkin , and when the egg cover , the larvae start to prey on the theme . This can cause the stem to wither and die , and can even cause the Cucurbita pepo to hang off the vine .
If you note mark of theme girdling , such as wilting farewell or a sudden lag in pumpkin increment , take action flop away . alas , there is no one - size - fits - all answer to conduct with these plague — some nurseryman have had achiever with take away the eggs by handwriting , while others have had proficient luck with using organic pesticide .
Squash bugs and spider mites
One of the most common pesterer link up with growing giant Cucurbita pepo is the squash rackets germ . These little guys can ruin your harvest in a hurry , so it ’s important to be on the lookout for them . They ’re identifiable by their brown or black color , and they ’re about ¼ in long . Another common pest is the spider mite . These lilliputian creatures are less than 1/50th of an column inch long and are difficult to see with the naked eye . They can do a lot of equipment casualty to your plant life , sucking the sap from the leaves and eventually causing them to go .
face for signs of squash glitch , such as eggs , tiny black bugs , or damage to the leaves . Spider speck are also unwashed and can cause the leaf to turn yellow and become covered in webbing . If you see any signs of either of these pests , take action right off to get rid of them .
Pumpkin- and squash - worm
Pumpkin- and squash - worms are the larva of a moth that feed on the parting of pumpkin vine , squash , and other cucurbit . The caterpillar can be various shadiness of light-green , yellow-bellied , or chocolate-brown , and develop up to 1.5 inch long . infestation are generally characterized by wilting of leaves and vine , miserable yield development , and tunneling into the flesh of the fruit . A enceinte infestation can kill the vine .
If you mark any Caterpillar on your plants , you’re able to hand - pick them and toss away of them . you’re able to also use insecticidal max or horticultural fossil oil to assist control the population .
Diseases Commonly Associated With Growing Giant Pumpkin
Fusarium Wilt
Pumpkin partisan take great care in planting , tearing and nurturing their jumbo pumpkins . However , even with the best of maintenance , diseases can still shine . One such disease is Fusarium Wilt . Fusarium Wilt is a grease - have a bun in the oven fungus that can cursorily obliterate a pumpkin plant . The skillful news is that Fusarium Wilt can be treated and prevented with a few simple steps . First , make certain to use sterilized soil and piss when planting . Second , water your industrial plant deeply but infrequently . Third , keep an optic out for wilting leaves and treat quick . Finally , remove any infected plant life and compost them immediately .
Rhizoctonia
Rhizoctonia is a common soil - carry fungus that can cause damping - off and root decompose in plant . It can be troublesome for gardener , as it can attack a wide variety of plants , let in vegetable , fruit and flush . Interestingly , Rhizoctonia is also a major job for giant pumpkin growers . The fungus can cause putrefaction of the pumpkin fore and foliation , which can lead to the pumpkin vine pop off prematurely . There is no cure for Rhizoctonia , so the best path to protect your pumpkin is to expend good sanitisation practices and to avoid wound the root and leaves .
Armillaria Root Rot
Armillaria root rot is triggered by the fungus Armillaria mellea and is one of the most serious diseases of autumn pumpkin . The disease touch on the roots of the works , eventually leading to the death of the pumpkin . Symptoms include wilting of the leaves , yellowing of the leaf , stunt of the growth of the plant , and the development of black canker on the prow . The only mode to treat the disease is to remove the infected plant and destroy it .
Tomato Ringspot Virus
One of the most usual diseases associated with rise gargantuan pumpkins is Tomato Ringspot Virus . This virus is diffuse through by aphid , so it ’s important to keep an middle on your plants for any signboard of aphids and take action if you see them . The virus causes stunted maturation and illuminate green wound on the leaves . If it ’s not treat , the plant will finally go bad . There are several direction to treat Tomato Ringspot Virus , so consult a horticulture professional if you think your plant might be infect .
Zinc and Magnesium Deficiencies
Pumpkin raiser should be on the lookout station for zinc and magnesium deficiency , which can cause trouble with fruit development , leaf colouration , and prow strength . Zinc insufficiency is characterized by scrawny maturation , yellowing leaves , and poor yield development . Mg deficiency results in wilting leaves , greensickness ( yellowing of the leaf ) , and stem weakness . If you suspect you ’re seeing any of these symptom , have your soil tested to determine the underlying crusade . Adding a atomic number 30 or Mg supplement to your grease may correct the want .
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Where do I buy gargantuan pumpkin seeds ?
If you want to grow giant pumpkins , you ’re give way to call for gargantuan pumpkin seeds . Thankfully , they are not too hard to find . There are a few office you’re able to buy them , and most source companies will behave them . Just be trusted to look for a smorgasbord of seeds , as not all of them will be giants .
Where do I start with growing giant pumpkin seeds ?
Do you want to originate gargantuan pumpkins ? It all begin with the seeds . But , not just any seeds . You demand to start with giant pumpkin seeds . Here ’s how : -Choose a gay spotlight in your grounds that gets at least 8 hours of direct sunlight per solar day . -Prepare the soil by bestow raft of organic matter like compost or manure . -Sow the seeds 1 - 2 inches recondite and space them 12 - 24 inches aside . -Water on a regular basis and keep the soil evenly moist . -Fertilize on a regular basis with a balanced constitutive fertiliser . -Harvest the pumpkins when they are amply ripe .
What aid should I give my jumbo pumpkin during growth ?
Pumpkin plant need heap of body of water , but be heedful not to overwater them , as this can cause the roots to rot . During the growth leg , fertilise your works every two workweek with a fluent fertiliser . Once the pumpkins start to make , switch to a eminent - Lucifer fertilizer to facilitate them grow giving and secure . As the pumpkins maturate , slay any vine increment that ’s below the pumpkin vine so the weight of the yield does n’t erupt the vine .
How long does it take for a giant pumpkin to grow ?
Giant Cucurbita pepo seeds take about 120 days to grow . The key to a successful pumpkin patch is to start with healthy and strong industrial plant . You ’ll want to irrigate them often and ensure to fecundate them on a regular basis . Once the pumpkins embark on to grow , you ’ll want to be careful not to over water them . In universal , they should get about 1 - 2 inch of piss per week .
Conclusion
gargantuan pumpkin are a sight to behold . They can weigh one C of Irish pound and grow to be the size of a small tyke . elephantine pumpkin can be grown in a wide of the mark miscellany of positioning from temperate mood to fond humid areas . There are several ways to grow giant pumpkin and the methods used reckon on the local climate , time of yr , available garden blank , skill level and experience . Whether you ’re an experient autumn pumpkin Fannie Merritt Farmer or just start out with Cucurbita pepo it ’s leisurely to learn how to grow a gargantuan pumpkin even if you do n’t have a fortune of gardening space .
