Check out these tips and tricks from the giant pumpkin growing community for how to start your seeds, get them into the ground, and keep them growing through the season.
Germination
Transplanting
Once the plant shows the first true leaf, you can transplant it outside or move it to a larger pot. Provide frost protection with a cloche or small greenhouse over the plant. Avid growers use soil heating cables, lights, and greenhouse heaters to protect their plants. See planting tips here and here.
Pollination
You will want to hand-pollinate your female flowers with the male flowers on the plant (self-pollination) or from another pumpkin plant (cross-pollination). It is best to pollinate a female flower that is 15-20 feet away from the main root and has 16-20 side vines between it and the main root. See how to pollinate here and here.
Vine Pruning
After you have pollinated several pumpkins, it is time to choose only one that will remain on the plant. Choose the best looking and fastest growing one on the main vine and remove all other pumpkins and flowers from the plant so you are only growing one fruit on the plant. Continue to keep new female flowers pruned off. Prune off any tertiary vines coming off the secondary vines. See how to prune vines here and here.
Getting to Harvest
As your fruit grows, keep providing it plenty of water and some fertilizer on a regular schedule. Put an old sheet or blanket over the fruit to protect it from the sun. Protect it from pests like deer, mice, and squash bugs. Have fun literally watching it grow day by day into the biggest thing you’ve ever grown!
Helpful Links
Cindy Tobeck’s helpful videos
bigpumpkins.com How To Tips
Jim Sherwood’s Tips for Growing Giant Pumpkins
pumpkinfanatic.com Growing tips from start to finish; genetics tools
Holland’s Giants and Wallace Wow seeds, fertilizers and other resources
join the Backyard Giant Pumpkin Growers page on facebook!
buy this helpful book “How to Grow World Class Giant Pumpkins the All Organic Way”
Northwind Dahlias 