Big Max

Pumpkin

Zone 1a Save Garden

🌱 110d to harvest Vine

Sink your senses into Big Max’s immense, sun-warmed presence—its thick, velvety rind and rich, deep-orange flesh promise a bold, …

Crop Dates

Milestone	Date
Start Indoors	Jun 1st
Last Frost	Jun 15th
Transplant / Sow Outdoors	Jun 15th
Harvest Begins	Oct 3rd
Harvest Ends	Jul 15th

Crop Details

Trait	Value
Days to Maturity	110
Sun Requirements	Full Sun
Growth Habit	Vine
Support Needed	Trellis
Planting Depth	Normal
Germination Temp (°F)	70
Min Soil Temp (°F)	65
Min Night Temp (°F)	55
Harden Off (days)	10

Recommended Companions

Frequently Asked Questions

Big Max (110 days) — how do I manage powdery mildew if it shows up on the leaves?

Powdery mildew on Big Max usually appears as a white, dusty coating on older leaves, then spreads through the canopy. Remove and compost the most affected leaves early, and water only at the soil line so foliage stays dry. Spray a labeled horticultural fungicide or sulfur-based product as soon as you see early spots, and repeat according to the label to protect new growth before the vines fully cover the bed.

How often should I water Big Max during its main growing phase (vines filling out and fruit developing)?

Aim to keep the root zone evenly moist but not waterlogged—about 1 to 2 inches of water per week total, adjusting for heat and rainfall. During fruit development, check soil 2–3 inches down; water when it feels dry at that depth, and then water deeply so the moisture reaches the thickest roots. Avoid frequent light sprinkling that keeps the surface wet, which encourages foliar diseases on Big Max.

When is Big Max ready to harvest, and how can I confirm it’s mature?

Harvest Big Max when the rind is fully hard and the surface looks matte and evenly colored, not glossy-green. The vine should be starting to die back, and the stem at the fruit (where it attaches) should be drying and turning corky. If you can’t puncture the rind with a fingernail and the pumpkin sounds hollow when tapped, it’s ready for cutting—then cure promptly for better storage.

Sink your senses into Big Max’s immense, sun-warmed presence—its thick, velvety rind and rich, deep-orange flesh promise a bold, satisfying sweetness. Expect a substantial, dense texture that holds its character beautifully, making it a standout for hearty roasting and show-stopping preserves, as well as sturdy, flavorful pies and robust sauces. Grow Big Max for the gardener’s thrill of raising a true giant: a single, commanding fruit that turns the patch into a spectacle from first bloom to harvest.

Sowing Tips

Transplant Conditions

Wait until soil reaches 65°F and nights stay above 55°F before moving outdoors. Harden off for 10 days first.

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 giant-pumpkin results, start with a deeply warmed, compost-rich bed and keep a single strong vine while feeding heavily once plants flower.