Giant Pumpkin Seeds Dill's Atlantic Seeds
Giant Pumpkin Seeds Dill's Atlantic Seeds
The Atlantic Giant (Cucurbita maxima) is renowned for its ability to yield immense pumpkins, making it an enticing addition to any garden. These pumpkins are famed for their colossal size, often weighing hundreds of pounds and displaying vibrant orange hues. With vines extending up to 1524 centimeters, they are straightforward to cultivate, whether for competitive gardening or simply for the pleasure of nurturing a massive pumpkin.
Cultivate Colossal Pumpkins - The Atlantic Giant is the premier choice for cultivating world-class, record-breaking pumpkins of extraordinary size. These rapidly growing plants have the potential to produce exceedingly large orange pumpkins weighing over 1,000 pounds under the appropriate conditions and care, creating a rare spectacle in your outdoor garden.
Perfect for Competitions and Festivals - These enormous pumpkins are ideal for entering size competitions, showcasing at displays, participating in fall festivals, or even rolling down hills for entertainment. Even young children will always remember the experience of growing and carving these Jack O'Lanterns together with their families. To maximize size, it is advisable to restrict each vine to one pumpkin and place a tarp or board beneath the young fruit to facilitate rolling once they reach significant proportions.
Atlantic Giant Pumpkin seeds are commonly cultivated for exhibition purposes and can be grown to achieve record-breaking sizes exceeding 453.592 kilograms! These pumpkins feature smooth orange skin, and their orange flesh is suitable for culinary use. It typically takes approximately 120 days to cultivate one of these enormous pumpkins. Explore our range of heirloom pumpkin seeds to discover other varieties suitable for planting in your home garden.
Atlantic Giant pumpkins have gained widespread recognition for their astonishing size. This pumpkin variety even holds a world record for the largest pumpkin, weighing an impressive 821.0022 kilograms. Developed and introduced by Howard Dill of Nova Scotia in 1978, the Atlantic Giant continues to captivate gardening enthusiasts with its remarkable size and distinctive characteristics.
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How To Grow
How To Grow
Sowing: Gardeners with short growing seasons may want to start their Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds indoors approximately 4 weeks before the last expected frost. Since pumpkins do not transplant well, peat pots are the preferred option. Plant two seeds per pot, later removing the weaker seedling. Harden the seedlings by exposing them to outdoor weather conditions for several hours at a time during the week before transplanting. About a week after the last frost, or when the soil temperature reaches an average of 15.5 degrees Celsius, plant the seedlings in very nutrient-rich soil spaced 244-305 centimeters apart in rows 305-366 centimeters apart. Another option is to plant the seedlings in hills of two, spaced 244-305 centimeters apart. For direct sowing, plant the seeds a week after the last frost at a depth of 1.27 centimeters, with spacing of 91-122 centimeters apart, and thin to 244-305 centimeters apart. For companion planting benefits, plant big pumpkin seeds along with corn but avoid planting them with potatoes.
Growing: Since pumpkin seedlings are sensitive to frost, provide protective coverings if cold weather is anticipated. Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid wetting the leaves to prevent diseases such as rot or mildew. As the vines begin to develop, applying a layer of mulch will aid in moisture retention, weed control, and keeping the pumpkins clean while also protecting them from excessive soil contact. By midsummer, remove all blooms to focus the plant's energy on the development of the pumpkins.
Harvesting
Harvesting
Pumpkins are ready for harvest once the stem starts to dry out and the skin becomes too tough to puncture with a fingernail. To prevent damage from cold weather, it's best to harvest pumpkins before the first frost hits. When harvesting, use a sharp knife to cut the stem, leaving a 8 centimeters length.
Avoid carrying the pumpkin by its stem, as this could cause it to break off. If the stem does break, use the pumpkin as soon as possible, as this can lead to rapid deterioration. Cure the pumpkins by placing them in the sun or a dry location until the stem shrivels. It's important not to wash pumpkins intended for storage.
For long-term storage, keep the pumpkins in a location with temperatures ranging from 45 to 50 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate humidity. Under these conditions, most pumpkins can last for up to 5 months.
Seed Saving
Seed Saving
Once the pumpkin has been properly cured, its seeds are fully matured. Begin by cutting the pumpkin open and removing the pulp along with the larger pumpkin seeds. Rinse off the pulp and place the mixture in a bowl of water; the viable seeds will sink to the bottom. Discard any floating seeds as they are likely not viable.
Next, remove the good seeds from the water and spread them out to dry for a period of 2-3 weeks. It's important to stir them occasionally during this time to ensure thorough drying. Once completely dry, store the Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds in a cool, dry location. When stored properly, these seeds can remain viable for up to 4 years.
Extra Facts
Extra Facts
Planting Methods: Indoor, Outdoor
Blooming Season: Mid to Late Summer
Planting Season: Late Spring to Early Summer
Latin Name/USDA Zones: Cucurbita pepo/ Pumpkins, including Dill's Atlantic variety, are typically grown as annuals and are not associated with specific USDA Hardiness Zones. The USDA zones are primarily assigned to perennial plants. However, for gardeners growing other perennial plants in their garden alongside pumpkins, they can consider the USDA zone information for their specific location. The growth and success of pumpkins are more influenced by local climate, frost dates, and growing season length.
Sunlight Required/ Height: Full Sun/ 30-60 cm
Shelf Life After Test Date: The shelf life of Dill's Atlantic Pumpkin Seeds after the test date is approximately 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dry place. Ensure proper storage in an airtight container to maintain seed quality, germination rates, and overall viability for successful planting.
Can I Grow Pumpkin Seed Sprout: Yes. You can grow Dill's Atlantic Pumpkin Seed Sprouts. Soak seeds for 24 hours, then plant in a sprouting tray. Keep moist, provide indirect light, and watch as vibrant sprouts emerge. Harvest in about 7-10 days for a fresh, nutritious addition to salads or sandwiches. Enjoy the process of cultivating these flavorful and healthful sprouts at home!
Seed Type: Heirloom, Non-GMO
Soil Type: Loam Soil