Factors to Consider When Growing a Giant Pumpkin

An increasingly popular activity worldwide is growing giant vegetables, particularly giant pumpkins. Below are some factors to consider and to get you started growing your first giant pumpkin.



Soil Preparation
Your target soil pH should be between 6.5 and 6.8. Make subtle adjustments by adding sulfur or lime. Sulfur will lower the pH and lime will help raise it. Use composted manure mixed with your soil.

Seed Preparation
Start your seed indoors with a soil temperature of about 90 degrees F. Do this approximately a month before last frost. Then a week after germination, transplant it to your ideal spot in your garden.

Flower Pollination
Hand pollination is a necessity to get a jumpstart with your giant pumpkin. A little over 2 months after starting your seed you should see flowers beginning to appear. Early pollination is key because the pumpkins have the ability to gain between 25 and 30 pounds a day.

Adjusting the Pumpkin Position
Try to keep the stem of the pumpkin at a 90-degree angle to the vine. Make gradual gentle adjustments to its position until it’s at the desired angle from the vine. The stems are very fragile at this stage so be extra cautious.

Choose a Pumpkin
Leaving all the pumpkins on the vine is sharing nutrients. You want to allow one or two pumpkins to get as many nutrients as possible by removing the rest, so choose the pumpkin or pumpkins that are growing the quickest.

Tip: Pumpkins that are tall and round tend to grow the biggest. Look out for pumpkins with those special characteristics.

Vine Pruning
Once a main vine has reached a dozen feet beyond your pumpkin, it’s time to prune it. Side vines should be no longer than 8 or 9 feet. To prevent water loss, burying the ends that have been pruned is a good idea.

Fertilization
A 20-20-20 balanced fertilizer formula is ideal for your pumpkins to maintain healthy growth. Never over-fertilize as pumpkins have and will explode from too rapid growth. Just use the right amount to ensure that your pumpkin will thrive.

Of course, you need some proven seeds that are bred with the genetics to grow the big pumpkins. Also, a decent book from a giant vegetable growing professional will come in handy for specifics about insects, soil, pH, determining the weight of the pumpkin and any other issue you may run into, but the basics above should get you on the right track.