In 2023, the world record for the largest pumpkin was set at over 2,700 pounds, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in pumpkin growing. Every year, growers pour in countless hours of care and apply decades of knowledge to raise the biggest pumpkins. Even if you’ve never grown a pumpkin before, you can join the fun of cultivating a giant in your garden—and who knows? You might even be on the path to breaking a world record!
Pumpkin Varieties
Pumpkins are a type of winter squash, available in a wide range of sizes, shapes, and colors. Some are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, while others grow to immense sizes. To grow a giant pumpkin, many serious growers turn to the “Atlantic Giant,” a prized heirloom that has set many records. If you’re looking for a more reliable performer, the “First Prize Hybrid” is a great choice, with pumpkins that typically reach 300 pounds.
Planting Pumpkins
To maximize your pumpkin growing season, start seeds indoors about 3 to 4 weeks before the average last frost date in your area. Biodegradable Plantable Round Fiber Pots are perfect for starting pumpkin seeds and can be easily planted directly in the ground later. Once the seedlings have 4 to 5 leaves and overnight temperatures are consistently above 65°F, transplant them outdoors.
Pumpkins require full sun for most of the growing season. The vines also need a lot of water but must not sit in constantly soggy soil. Experienced growers typically create small mounds of soil, 4 to 6 inches high, to ensure proper drainage. Space each mound about 15 to 20 feet apart to allow the vines to spread out. A 300-pound pumpkin needs about 100 leaves to support its growth, so the plant will continue to spread as the season goes on.
Pumpkin Care and Feeding
When first planting your pumpkin seedlings, you may want to protect them from pests and harsh weather with a floating row cover, a lightweight fabric that allows sunlight, air, and water to reach the plants but keeps pests away.
As your pumpkins grow, they need a steady supply of water. Competitive growers provide 15 to 20 gallons of water each week, but you might need less depending on your soil type. To check if the plants need watering, stick your finger into the soil about 2 inches down. Water directly at the root zone, not on the leaves. If you have sandy soil, you may need to water more frequently.
Although pumpkins are naturally rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, they still need extra nutrients to grow to massive sizes. During the vine-growing stage, use a high-nitrogen fertilizer, such as blood meal, to encourage vine and leaf growth. When flowering begins, switch to a more balanced fertilizer like a natural, organic all-purpose plant food. Follow the instructions carefully, as overfeeding can cause unhealthy growth.
Pest Control and Common Issues
Common pests of pumpkins include cucumber beetles, squash bugs, and squash vine borers. Cucumber beetles and squash bugs suck plant juices and spread bacterial wilt, which can kill plants suddenly. Using floating row covers in the early stages of growth helps protect your plants from these pests.
Squash vine borers attack pumpkin vines by burrowing into the stems. You can spot damage by looking for small holes near the base of the plant filled with sawdust-like material (frass). Reflective silver mulch can help deter these pests while also reflecting sunlight back onto the plants.