An increasingly popular activity world wide is growing giant
vegetables, particularly a giant pumpkin. Below I’ve outlined some basic steps
to get you started growing your first giant pumpkin.
Soil Preparation: Your target pH will be between 6.5 and
6.8. Make subtle adjustments by adding sulfur or lime. Sulfur will lower the pH
and lime will help raise it. Use composted manure mixed with your soil.
Seed Preparation: Start your seed indoors with a soil
temperature of about 90 degrees F. Do this approximately a month before last
frost.
Transplant to the Garden: Gently transfer the plant to the
garden about a week after germination.
Seed Protection: Use a homemade mini-greenhouse to protect
plants from frost and cold winds. Use a fence to protect the plants from wind
after they out grow their new greenhouse home.
Flower Pollination: Hand pollination is necessary to get a
jump start with your giant pumpkin. A little over 2 months after starting your
seed you should see female flowers beginning to appear. The females will have a
tiny pumpkin at their base. Choose a male flower (one without the tiny pumpkin)
and pick it and remove the flower petals from the outside of it. Use the male
to gently swab the female to begin the process.
Early pollination is key because the pumpkins have the
ability to gain between 25 and 30 pounds a day.
Adjust the Pumpkin Position: Try to keep the stem of the
pumpkin at a 90 degree angle to the vine. Just make gradual gentle adjustments
to its position until it’s at the desired angle from the vine. The stems are
very fragile at this stage so be extra cautious.
Choose a Pumpkin: Leaving all the pumpkins on the vine is
sharing nutrients. You want to allow one or two pumpkins to get as many
nutrients as possible by removing the rest, so choose the pumpkin or pumpkins
that are growing the quickest.
Expert tip: Pumpkins that are tall and round tend to grow
the biggest. Look out for pumpkins of that nature.
Vine Pruning: Once a main vine has reached a dozen feet
beyond your pumpkin, it’s time to prune it. Side vines should be no longer than
8 or 9 feet. To prevent water loss, burying the ends that have been pruned is a
good idea.
Fertilization: A 20-20-20 balanced fertilizer formula is
ideal for your pumpkins to maintain healthy growth. Never over-fertilize as
pumpkins have and will explode from too rapid growth.
Of course, you need some proven seeds that are bred with the
genetics to grow the big pumpkins. Also, a decent book from a giant vegetable
growing professional will come in handy for specifics about insects, soil, pH,
determining the weight of the pumpkin and any other issue you may run into, but
the basics above should get you on the right track. Best of luck to you.
Kevin Merlot has been involved with growing giant pumpkins
for several years. He invites you to browse
his seed and book catalogue to get you started with your new hobby. |
