Big Max' is the choice of giant pumpkin growers. Unlike some large pumpkins that are just blobs, 'Big Max' is round and has smooth, light-orange skin and is perfect for Halloween carving or other holiday decorations. To achieve maximum size, grow one pumpkin per vine, water and fertilize regularly. Excellent for canning (many cans!) or pumpkin pies (many pies!).Average Weight: 9 poundsCount: ~5
Botanical Name: Cucurbita maximaDays to Maturity: 120 daysFamily: CucurbitaceaeNative: Southern South AmericaHardiness: Frost-sensitive annualPlant Dimensions: 10'–15' vines. 'Big Max' needs lots of room to grow!Variety Information: Bright orange skin with 3"–4" thick yellowish-orange flesh. Huge pumpkins can reach 20" diameter and 100 pounds or more! 'Big Max' was introduced in 1964.This traditional ornament of the autumn harvest is good for much more than jack-o-lanterns and pies. High in fiber and essential minerals, their colorful orange flesh signifies an abundance of the antioxidant beta-carotene.Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.Culture • Pumpkins require uniform irrigation totaling 15-20 inches of water during the growing season • Bee attractant flowers or beehives will help yields — misshapen or non-developing fruit is often the result of poor pollinationDirect Sowing • Plant after frost danger when soil warms to 65°F • Work in a shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer into hill • Keep soil evenly moist but not wet as too much moisture causes the seed to rot • Bush varieties: sow 3-4 feet apart • Vining varieties: sow 4-5 feet apartTransplanting • Start indoors 3-4 weeks prior to the anticipated transplant date in 4-inch pots • Work in a shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer into the hill • Transplant carefully as to not disturb rootsInsects & Diseases • Common insects: Cucumber beetles and squash bugs • Insect control: Pyrethrin • Common diseases: Various wilts, leaf spots mildews, and various viral diseases • Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, and fungicide applicationsHarvest & Storage • Leave on vine until fully mature, rinds should be firm • Pumpkins can tolerate a light frost, but must be protected from a hard frost • Dry gourds: Wash gently in a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach, carefully removing all dirt, then store in a warm, dry location • Store at 55-70°F and 70% relative humidityKEY TO PUMPKIN DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE HR indicates high resistance. IR indicates intermediate resistance. PM | Powdery Mildew
Botanical Name: Cucurbita maximaDays to Maturity: 120 daysFamily: CucurbitaceaeNative: Southern South AmericaHardiness: Frost-sensitive annualPlant Dimensions: 10'–15' vines. 'Big Max' needs lots of room to grow!Variety Information: Bright orange skin with 3"–4" thick yellowish-orange flesh. Huge pumpkins can reach 20" diameter and 100 pounds or more! 'Big Max' was introduced in 1964.This traditional ornament of the autumn harvest is good for much more than jack-o-lanterns and pies. High in fiber and essential minerals, their colorful orange flesh signifies an abundance of the antioxidant beta-carotene.Days to maturity are calculated from date of direct seeding.Culture • Pumpkins require uniform irrigation totaling 15-20 inches of water during the growing season • Bee attractant flowers or beehives will help yields — misshapen or non-developing fruit is often the result of poor pollinationDirect Sowing • Plant after frost danger when soil warms to 65°F • Work in a shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer into hill • Keep soil evenly moist but not wet as too much moisture causes the seed to rot • Bush varieties: sow 3-4 feet apart • Vining varieties: sow 4-5 feet apartTransplanting • Start indoors 3-4 weeks prior to the anticipated transplant date in 4-inch pots • Work in a shovelful of compost and 1/2 cup TSC's Complete fertilizer into the hill • Transplant carefully as to not disturb rootsInsects & Diseases • Common insects: Cucumber beetles and squash bugs • Insect control: Pyrethrin • Common diseases: Various wilts, leaf spots mildews, and various viral diseases • Disease prevention: 3-4 year crop rotation, and fungicide applicationsHarvest & Storage • Leave on vine until fully mature, rinds should be firm • Pumpkins can tolerate a light frost, but must be protected from a hard frost • Dry gourds: Wash gently in a solution of 10 parts water and 1 part bleach, carefully removing all dirt, then store in a warm, dry location • Store at 55-70°F and 70% relative humidityKEY TO PUMPKIN DISEASE RESISTANCE AND TOLERANCE HR indicates high resistance. IR indicates intermediate resistance. PM | Powdery Mildew