Dill's Atlantic Giant Pumpkin Seeds
Dill's Atlantic Giant is a giant-fruited Cucurbita maxima pumpkin grown mainly for exhibition, fall displays and the challenge of producing very large fruit. Final size depends heavily on season length, space, soil, water, nutrition and fruit selection; record-size results are not guaranteed.
Why Choose This Pumpkin
- Established giant-pumpkin type for ambitious home growers
- Long, vigorous vines suited to large garden plots
- Useful for displays and competitions; fruit is also edible
- Warm-season annual grown from seed
What's in the Pack
One packet contains 5 seeds.
Planting Instructions
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Growing zone: Grow as an annual in USDA Zones 3–10 where the frost-free season is long enough.
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When to sow: Start indoors about 3–4 weeks before transplanting, or direct sow after frost when soil is at least about 65°F.
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Depth: Sow about 3/4–1 inch deep.
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Light: Full sun.
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Spacing: Allow an exceptionally large growing area; giant-pumpkin plants may require 400 square feet or more.
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Water: Keep soil evenly moist and water deeply, avoiding prolonged waterlogging.
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Harvest: Harvest after the rind hardens and before a hard freeze.
Growing Expectations
For maximum size, many growers retain one promising fruit and remove competing fruit and tertiary vines. Ordinary garden care can still produce attractive pumpkins, but very large specimens require intensive management.
Frequently Asked Questions
How large will the pumpkins grow?
Size varies widely. Genetics matter, but soil fertility, vine area, watering, weather and fruit selection are equally important.
Can the pumpkins be eaten?
Yes. They are edible, although this type is selected primarily for size rather than culinary quality.
Should the seeds be started indoors?
Indoor starting can provide a useful head start in short-season climates. Avoid keeping seedlings confined after roots fill the container.
How much space is required?
Plan for hundreds of square feet if the goal is a very large fruit. The vines should not be crowded.
Should more than one fruit remain on the vine?
For exhibition size, growers commonly select one fruit after pollination. Keeping several fruit generally reduces the maximum size of each.
Will saved seed produce the same result?
Not necessarily. Cross-pollination with other Cucurbita maxima plants can affect the next generation.
