Cucurbita maxima 'Big Max'
pumpkin 'Big Max'
A very large winter squash producing rounded, orange fruits which have the potential to reach up to 45kg in weight on trailing vines. The rich, firm flesh is versatile for dishes such as stews and pies and the large seeds are excellent roasted. An ideal variety for exhibiting
Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metresTime to ultimate height
1 yearUltimate spread
2.5–4 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drained, Well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | ||||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Yellow | Green | Orange | |
Autumn | Orange | |||
Winter |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Cucurbitaceae
- Native to the UK
- No
- Foliage
- Deciduous
- Habit
- Trailing, Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
- Name status
Accepted
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow in rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Start indoors from mid-late April, sowing in individual pots with seeds on their side about 1.5cm deep. Harden off before June then transplant outdoors to final growing position. See pumpkin cultivation for further advice
Propagation
Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds
Suggested planting locations and garden types
Pruning
No pruning required
Pests
Diseases
May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews
Get involved
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