About
Cucurbita maxima 'Atlantic Giant' is a winter squash known for its impressive size, with vines that can extend up to 5 meters (17 feet) long. The pumpkins produced can take on an egg-like form and exceed 1.8 meters (6 feet) in diameter. They feature vibrant orange skin and rich orange flesh. In 2016, this variety set a record with a pumpkin weighing 782 kg (2,624.6 lbs). While primarily cultivated for competitive growing due to its size, the flesh is somewhat watery, making it more suitable for use in stocks and soups rather than for baking.
About the genus
This genus consists of small, annual herbaceous plants that either climb or trail. Several species within this group are cultivated for their edible fruits and other applications. They originate from Central and South America. The flowers are typically solitary and star-shaped, exhibiting a golden-yellow hue. The leaves are characterized by their palmately lobed structure and are adorned with fine, prickly hairs.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained, Well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Annual Biennial
- Habit
- Trailing
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Height
- 0.5-1 metres
- Spread
- 4-8 metres
- Time to full height
- 1 year
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Cottage and informal garden
- Toxicity
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow in fertile, moisture retentive but well drained, acidic to neutral soil in full sun. Sow indoors March to May in good quality seed compost. Sow the seeds on their side 1cm deep and maintain a constant temperature of 18-21C. Feed regularly with a high potassium fertiliser when the first fruits start to swell. See pumpkin cultivation or squash cultivation for further advice
- Pruning
- No pruning required
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
- Pest resistance
- Generally pest-free
- Disease resistance
- May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews