SproutSmart
SproutSmart™ Intelligent Garden Sowing

Howden Biggie

Pumpkin
Zone 10a Save Garden

Planting Schedule

Add Howden Biggie to your garden to build a schedule and get reminders.
Botanical illustration of Howden Biggie
110d to harvest

Sink your senses into Howden Biggie’s rich, sunlit presence—thick-skinned and deeply ribbed, with a warm, classic orange that glows from garden to porch. The flesh is dense and velvety, offering a satisfying bite that holds its shape beautifully for hearty, comforting preparations. Grow this vigorous, long-season pumpkin for standout centerpiece fruit and reliable performance at about 110 days to maturity.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 65°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best yields and fewer misshapen fruit, plant in warm soil and keep vines evenly watered after flowering while avoiding wet foliage late in the day.

Crop Dates

Growing note: Frost-free Zone 10a supports continuous outdoor production.
MilestoneDate
ClimateFrost-Free Climate
Growing ApproachContinuous Production

Crop Details

TraitValue
Days to Maturity110
Sun RequirementsFull SunFull sun
Growth HabitVine
Support NeededTrellis
Planting DepthNormal
Germination Temp (°F)85
Min Soil Temp (°F)65
Min Night Temp (°F)55
Harden Off (days)10

Today's Conditions

Outdoor planting for Howden Biggie in Zone 10a typically begins around throughout the growing season. Wait until soil reaches at least 65°F before transplanting Howden Biggie.

Garden Alerts

Frost-free Zone 10a supports continuous outdoor production.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What pest or disease is most common for Cucurbita pepo (Howden-type winter squash), and what should I do first?
A very common problem is powdery mildew, which shows up as a white, powder-like coating on the leaves later in the season. Remove the most heavily affected leaves early and improve airflow by spacing vines properly and avoiding overhead watering; treat promptly with a labeled fungicide for cucurbits if it keeps spreading. If you see rapid wilting with stem collapse, suspect vine disease (often linked to soil pathogens) and promptly remove affected vines to reduce spread.
How often should I water Cucurbita pepo during the main growing phase (after it starts vining)?
Water deeply about 1–2 times per week so the root zone gets consistently moist, aiming for about 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water weekly depending on heat and rainfall. Let the top couple inches of soil dry slightly between waterings, because soggy soil around roots can encourage rot in winter squash. During hot, dry weeks, check moisture by feel at 2–3 inches deep and water when it’s drying out there—not bone-dry.
How do I tell when Howden Biggie (Cucurbita pepo) is ready to harvest?
Harvest when the rind is fully hardened (you can’t easily dent it with your thumbnail) and the stem has started to dry and turn corky. The fruit should reach its full color and look mature at around 110 days, and you should cut the squash from the vine with 2–3 inches of stem attached. Handle gently to avoid skin cuts, because damaged rinds won’t store well.

Sowing Tips

Soil Temperature

Direct sow or transplant when soil at planting depth holds 65°F for reliable germination and early growth.

Direct Sow Preferred

Sensitive roots — does not transplant well. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots and disturb roots as little as possible when moving outdoors.

Expert Note

For best yields and fewer misshapen fruit, plant in warm soil and keep vines evenly watered after flowering while avoiding wet foliage late in the day.

Botanical illustration of Howden Biggie

Sink your senses into Howden Biggie’s rich, sunlit presence—thick-skinned and deeply ribbed, with a warm, classic orange that glows from garden to porch. The flesh is dense and velvety, offering a satisfying bite that holds its shape beautifully for hearty, comforting preparations. Grow this vigorous, long-season pumpkin for standout centerpiece fruit and reliable performance at about 110 days to maturity.