Pumpkin 'Dill's Atlantic Giant'
The original variety of giant pumpkin of which all others are related, Howard Dill of Nova Scotia in Canada perfected the giant pumpkin, not only through his growing practices (allowing only one fruit on the vine to ripen) but also selecting seed from only the largest fruits. His carefully selected seed led to him winning the world-record for the largest pumpkin grown from 1979-1982. How big will your pumpkin grow?
Pumpkins are the easiest of the curcubits to grow, they are big feeders, so dig in plenty of well rotted manure where they are to grow. They germinate easily in warm soil, gardeners in cooler areas can start their seedlings in pots in a warm spot and plant out after risk of frost has passed. Pumpkins need plenty of water as they grow, mulch well to conserve moisture and eliminate weeds. Harvest pumpkins when the stalk attaching it to the vine turns woody and corky. Cut (not tear) the stalk from the plant. Never lift the pumpkin by this 'handle' as if it breaks off the pumpkin will go mouldy within days.