How to Grow Dill's Atlantic Giant Pumpkins

How to Grow Atlantic Giant Pumpkins in Your Garden

When it comes to giant pumpkins, Dill’s Atlantic Giant pumpkins are the granddaddy of them all.

Dill’s Atlantic Giant pumpkin was created by legendary grower Howard Dill of Windsor, Nova Scotia, Canada. Among the literally hundreds of varieties of pumpkins, Dill’s Atlantic Giant pumpkins are the record-breaking monsters that you see at fall festivals and Giant Pumpkin weigh-offs.

If you have never been to a Giant Pumpkin weigh-off, make plans to do so this fall. In fact, you will see dozens of huge pumpkins on display. You may even a skillful grower, bringing one larger than the current world record. See world record pumpkins.

Botanical Name: Cucurbita, Maxima

Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkins Plant Specifications

Days to Harvest: 120 to 150 days, depending upon growing conditions.

Plant Vine Length: 30 feet or longer.

Light Needs: Full, direct sunlight all day long.

Ideal Soil pH : 6.0 – 7.5.

Plant Hardiness Zones: 3 – 11

Plant Type: Annual

Deer Resistant? No.

Native To: Mexico.

Botanical Name: Cucurbita Maxima

Light Requirements

When it comes to maximizing the size of Dill’s Atlantic Giant fruit, ideally provide the plant with full, direct sunlight from sunrise to sunset. This allows the leaves to utilize photosynthesis to the fullest and send the energy to fruit development.

However, the hot midday sun and cause the leaves to wilt and burn. As a result, avid pumpkin hobbyists construct shade covers over the plants to protect the leaves.

How to Grow Atlantic Giant Pumpkins

Growing giant pumpkins is fun, and it is a challenge, too. While it’s similar to growing regular pumpkins, there is much more care and attention given to growing these beasts of the pumpkin patch. To grow a really big one, you have to learn all the tricks to coax the pumpkin plant to add every pound and ounce of weight possible to the fruit. It’s a hobby, requiring all the skill and knowledge you can muster. And, it takes countless hours tending to your plants to produce the perfect environment for maximum weight.

Want to join in on the fun!? Sure you do! Learn all the steps, tricks, and tips from the experts at Pumpkin Nook. How to Grow Pumpkins

Garden Tip: Promote the growth of secondary roots that grow along the vines. More on Secondary roots

Also see:

Plant Problems

Soil Temperatures