Ideal Uses: Growing giant pumpkins for competitions, fall decorations, carving, pies, and roasted dishes
Product Details:
Seed Count: Available in various packet sizes
Seed Quality: Non-GMO, open-pollinated for large, healthy pumpkin plants
Germination Rate: High, ensuring strong, vigorous growth and giant pumpkin production
Growth Habit: Large vining plant producing some of the largest pumpkins in the world
Planting Instructions:
Seed Preparation:
Soaking (Optional): Soaking seeds for 6-8 hours before planting can help with germination, although it's not essential.
Sowing Instructions:
Indoor Start: Start seeds indoors 4-6 weeks before the last frost, at 70-80°F (21-27°C) to give them a strong start before moving outdoors.
Outdoor Sowing: Directly sow seeds outdoors after the last frost, once soil temperatures have reached 65-75°F (18-24°C).
Planting Depth: Sow seeds 1 inch deep in soil.
Spacing: Plant seeds 4-6 inches apart in rows or hills, with at least 6-8 feet between each plant to allow for the giant vines to spread.
Care & Maintenance:
Watering:
Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Atlantic Giant pumpkins require significant water, especially as they begin to form large fruits.
Water at the base of the plant to prevent wetting the leaves and reducing the risk of diseases.
Fertilization:
Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer at the beginning of the growing season. As the pumpkins begin to form, switch to a high-phosphorus and low-nitrogen fertilizer to promote fruit development rather than excessive vine growth.
Add compost or organic matter to the soil to improve fertility and moisture retention.
Weeding & Mulching:
Mulch around the plants to keep weeds down and conserve moisture.
Weed regularly to reduce competition for nutrients and space.
Pest & Disease Management:
Watch for common pumpkin pests like squash bugs, cucumber beetles, and aphids. Use organic methods like neem oil or insecticidal soap if needed.
Prevent powdery mildew and other fungal diseases by spacing the plants properly for good air circulation and avoiding wetting the leaves.
Harvesting & Storage:
Harvesting Time:
Atlantic Giant pumpkins usually take 100-120 days to reach maturity.
Harvest when the pumpkins have developed their full color, and the skin is firm and cannot be pierced with a fingernail.
Harvesting Method:
Use sharp scissors or a knife to cut the pumpkins from the vine, leaving a 3-4 inch stem. Handle the pumpkins carefully to avoid damaging their skin.
Storage:
Store harvested pumpkins in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area.
Atlantic Giant pumpkins can be stored for 2-3 months or longer if kept at 50-55°F (10-13°C), depending on the conditions.
Tips for Success:
Space Requirements: These pumpkins grow on large vines, so provide plenty of space for them to spread. Consider planting in hills or large garden beds.
Pruning and Managing Vines: To help produce the largest pumpkins, prune secondary vines after the main pumpkin has begun to develop. This will allow the plant to focus its energy on one pumpkin.
Early Harvest: Make sure to harvest before the first frost, as frost can damage the pumpkins.
