Single Big Max Pumpkin on a white background.
Three Baker Creek employees with Big Max Pumpkins in the fields of the Baker Creek trial farm.
A couple of Big Max Pumpkin Winter Squash in the pumpkin patch at sunset. Image by Mathew Perlee.
A Baker Creek employee walks toward a giant pile of Big Max Pumpkin Winter Squash in the field.
Single Big Max Pumpkin on a white background.
Three Baker Creek employees with Big Max Pumpkins in the fields of the Baker Creek trial farm.
A couple of Big Max Pumpkin Winter Squash in the pumpkin patch at sunset. Image by Mathew Perlee.
A Baker Creek employee walks toward a giant pile of Big Max Pumpkin Winter Squash in the field.

Winter Squash Seeds,
Big Max Pumpkin

3.620 ReviewsSKU: #SQ123
Price
Regular price $4.00
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $4.00
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Min. 20 seeds

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Description

(Cucurbita maxima). These huge pumpkins can grow well over 100 lbs! The nearly round, bright orange fruit is stunning and good for pies and canning. The orange flesh is very thick. Well suited for county fairs and displays.

Growing Tips: To achieve the large size fruit, the plants require rich, well-drained soil and full sun exposure. Before planting, it's a good idea to prepare the soil by adding compost or aged manure to boost fertility. Regular, deep watering is essential, especially during the flowering and fruiting stages, but avoid getting water on the foliage to minimize the risk of diseases like powdery mildew.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Cucurbita maxima
Life Cycle
Annual
Growth Habit
Vining
Sun Requirement
6–8 hr.
Days to Germinate
5–10
Days to Maturity
110
Planting Depth
½–1 in.
Plant Spacing
18–36 in.
Ideal Temperature
70–95°F
Frost Hardy
No

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Big Max pumpkins should be planted after the last frost when the soil temperature reaches at least 70 F. This variety needs a long growing season of around 110 days to reach full size, so plan accordingly, especially in regions with shorter growing seasons. In cooler climates, you might start seeds indoors 2-4 weeks before the last frost and transplant them outdoors once the soil has warmed​. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Sow Big Max pumpkin seeds directly in the garden or start them indoors in biodegradable pots. When sowing outdoors, plant the seeds 1/2 to 1 inch deep in mounds spaced 8-10 feet apart. It’s important to give the plants plenty of room to sprawl. Thin the seedlings to the strongest plant per mound after they sprout. If starting indoors, harden off the seedlings before transplanting them outdoors to avoid transplant shock​. Don’t let transplants become rootbound; don't disturb roots while transplanting.

How to Grow

Big Max pumpkins are heavy feeders and prefer regular fertilization throughout the growing season. Begin with a balanced fertilizer at planting time, and once the plants start flowering, switch to a high-phosphorus fertilizer to promote fruit development. Mulching around the plants can help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Common pests like squash bugs and diseases such as powdery mildew can affect the plants, so regular monitoring and organic control methods are recommended​.

How to Save Seeds

  • There are four different species of squash: Cucurbita maxima, C. pepo, C. moschata, and C. mixta. They will not cross pollinate with each other, so it is possible to grow one of each species for seed saving without worrying about cross pollination.
  • If you are planning to grow several varieties of more than one species, you can bag the blossoms and hand pollinate to avoid crossing.
  • Whether it is a summer or winter squash, you must let the fruit completely mature before extracting the seeds, and cure for at least two weeks.
  • Scoop the seeds, place them in a bucket, and add just enough water to cover. Let sit at room temperature to ferment for two days before rinsing off the pulp.
  • Lay seeds out to dry on newspaper or paper plates.
  • Stored in a cool, dry place, seeds will remain viable for up to four years.

FAQ

Is Big Max pumpkin frost hardy?

No, Big Max pumpkins are not frost hardy and should be planted only after the danger of frost has passed. Protect the plants from early fall frosts to ensure they reach full maturity.

How much sun does Big Max pumpkin need?

Like most winter squash varieties, Big Max pumpkins require full sun, meaning 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day, to thrive and produce large fruits.

Can Big Max pumpkins be grown in containers?

Due to their large size and extensive root system, Big Max pumpkins are not well-suited for container growing. They are best planted directly in the ground with plenty of space to spread.

Browse our full range of winter squash seeds.

Customer reviews

3.6 / 5 20 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Giant pumpkins: Fruit runs from 20 pounds to well over 100 with room to spread.

  • Easy to grow: Easy to grow; vines take off fast once the weather warms.

  • Kids love it: A favorite project for children watching the pumpkins swell.

  • Rich color: Ripens from yellow through orange to a deep red-orange.

  • Heads up: Wilts in hot, humid summers; expect one or two fruits per vine.

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