10 Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkin Seeds ~ Prize Win ~ Cucurbita maxima 2,000+ lbs!

Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkins have become the gold standard in prize pumpkins. Developed by Howard Dill in Nova Scotia, these pumpkins have been smashing records for over 30 years. Weighing in at hundreds of pounds, these pumpkins have become a mainstay at pumpkin growing competitions all over the world. The current record of this  prize pumpkin breed has weighed in at over 2,000 pounds. But how exactly do you grow a Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkin? Let’s find out.

Firstly, it’s important to know that Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkins require a lot of space and a lot of sun. So, if you have a small garden or live in an area with a lot of shade, it might not be the best choice for you. It is also important to have nutrient-rich soil that drains well. Pumpkins thrive on soil that is rich in organic matter, so be sure to add compost and other natural fertilizers to your soil.

When it comes to germinating Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkin seeds, the process is fairly simple. The seeds can be planted indoors in late April or early May, or directly in the ground once the soil has warmed up. Soaking the seeds in water for a few hours before planting can help to speed up the germination process.

Once your seeds have germinated and the plants have started to grow, it’s important to provide them with the right care. Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkins require a lot of water, so be sure to water them regularly. The soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged, as this can lead to root rot. Additionally, pumpkins need a lot of nutrients to grow properly. Regular applications of fertilizer can help to ensure that your pumpkins get the nutrients they need to grow large and healthy.

When it comes to growing pumpkins for competition, there are a few additional things to keep in mind. Firstly, you should aim to grow only one pumpkin per plant. This allows the plant to put all its energy into producing one prize-winning pumpkin. Additionally, you should limit the number of vines that grow off the main stem. By keeping the plant focused on producing one large pumpkin, you increase your chances of growing a giant pumpkin.

Another key factor in growing prize pumpkins is pollination. Pumpkins are pollinated by bees, and it’s important to ensure that your pumpkin plant has plenty of bees visiting the flowers. You can attract bees to your garden by planting flowers that are attractive to bees, such as marigolds and sunflowers.

If you want to grow a Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkin that is competitive in size, you will need to do some extra work. In addition to providing your pumpkin with plenty of water and nutrients, you will need to prune the plant regularly. This involves removing any smaller pumpkins that may grow on the vine, as well as any side shoots. By doing this, you allow the plant to focus all its energy on producing one large pumpkin.

Finally, it’s important to know that growing prize pumpkins is not a quick process. It can take anywhere from 100 to 120 days for a pumpkin to reach its full size. So, if you want to grow a giant pumpkin for competition, you will need to start early and be patient.