Early Giant Pumpkin (F1 Hybrid, 95 days)

Cucurbita pepo

An ideal, large carving pumpkin with deep orange skin and light ribs. It grows mostly the tall elongated type of pumpkins, ranging from 14-40 lbs. Long vines need sufficient spacing, 30-40 sq ft per plant. Powdery mildew resistant.  

15 seeds   

PLANTING

Germination: 7-10 days

Germination Temperature: Optimum soil temperatures 70-90 degrees F. Planting in soil under 70 degrees F may result in poor germination.

Seed Sowing Depth: ½ -1” deep

Outside Sowing: Late spring, after last frost when soil reaches at least 70 degrees F. Sow 2-3 seeds per space/hill, 24-36”  apart, in rows 48-60” apart. Provide the furthest spacing for the larger varieties.

Starting Indoors:  3-4 weeks before last frost. Sow 2-3 seeds per cells/pots, thin to strongest seedling. W e like to use individual and biodegradable paper, peat,or cowpots because it provides the least amount of stress to the roots when transplanting. Transplant after last frost when soil warms to 70 degrees F.

How much does a packet plant: 12 foot single row  

Harvest: When skin turns color and rinds are hard. Leave a few inches of the stem on for best storage potential.

Tips: Heavy feeders, requiring high nitrogen. Plant into fertile soil or amend with compost or manure. Heavy water needs, mulch and supply adequate water, at least 1” per week for optimum growth.