Bright orange giant pumpkin in a garden with text overlay about Dill’s Atlantic Giant, Big Max, and Howden Biggie pumpkin seeds growing guide

Growing Giant Pumpkin Seeds: Dill’s Atlantic Giant & Other Giant Pumpkin Varieties

Why Grow Giant Pumpkins?

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of seeing a pumpkin so big it takes two or three people just to move it. Giant pumpkins aren’t only grown by competitors aiming for world records — they’re also perfect for backyard gardeners who want to amaze family, friends, and neighbors.

The most famous of them all is Dill’s Atlantic Giant, but other excellent varieties like Big Max and Howden Biggie provide home growers with exciting options for producing 100+ pound pumpkins.

At Trailing Petunia, you can shop both smaller seed packs and bulk pumpkin seeds for giant pumpkin varieties:

Dill’s Atlantic Giant: The King of Giant Pumpkins

The undisputed champion of giant pumpkins is Dill’s Atlantic Giant. Developed by Howard Dill in Nova Scotia in the 1970s, this variety has been the foundation of nearly every competitive pumpkin grown since.

  • Average Size (home garden): 200–400 pounds

  • Competition Potential: 1,000–2,000+ pounds

  • World Record: Over 2,700 pounds (Italy, 2021)

These pumpkins aren’t just big; they’re genetically bred for size, meaning that even casual growers can expect show-stopping results with the right care.

👉 Shop Dill’s Atlantic Giant Seeds

Other Giant Pumpkin Varieties to Grow

Not every gardener has the space or time to push for 1,000 pounds. Thankfully, there are other impressive giant pumpkin varieties:

Big Max Pumpkin Seeds

  • Average Size: 100–150 pounds

  • Shape & Color: Smooth, round, bright orange skin

  • Best Use: Excellent for carving, decorating, and family-size giants
    👉 Buy Big Max Seeds

Howden Biggie Pumpkin Seeds

  • Average Size: 50–100 pounds

  • Shape & Color: Symmetrical, dark orange, with strong handles

  • Best Use: Ideal for large Jack-O-Lanterns and Halloween displays
    👉 Get Howden Biggie Seeds

Dill’s Atlantic Giant vs. Other Giants

  • Dill’s Atlantic Giant = record-breaking potential

  • Big Max = reliable 100–150 lb pumpkins for shows & carving

  • Howden Biggie = manageable giants, perfect for families

Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Giant Pumpkins

Step 1: Start Seeds Indoors

  • Plant seeds 3–4 weeks before last frost date.

  • Keep soil temps at 75–85°F for germination.

  • Use large pots (4–6”) for strong roots.

Step 2: Transplanting Outdoors

  • Wait until frost danger has passed and soil warms to 60°F+.

  • Space plants widely: 15–20 feet for Atlantic Giant, 8–10 feet for Big Max/Howden Biggie.

  • Use row covers or cloches to protect seedlings early on.

Step 3: Soil Prep for Giants

  • Work in aged compost or manure.

  • Maintain soil pH between 6.0–6.8.

  • Build large planting hills to improve drainage.

Step 4: Nutrition & Feeding

  • Early growth: nitrogen for vine development.

  • After fruit set: switch to phosphorus & potassium for pumpkin bulking.

  • Consider organic boosters like compost tea, kelp, or fish emulsion.

Step 5: Vine Training & Fruit Selection

  • Train side vines at 90° angles for airflow and stability.

  • Bury vine nodes to promote rooting.

  • Thin to 1 fruit per plant for maximum pumpkin size.

Step 6: Watering Giants

  • Deep watering is critical: 20–40 gallons per plant, per week.

  • Keep soil evenly moist but not waterlogged.

  • Avoid overhead watering to reduce mildew risk.

Step 7: Protecting the Fruit

  • Place boards, pallets, or sand beneath pumpkins.

  • Shade developing pumpkins to prevent sunburn.

  • Watch for pests like vine borers, squash bugs, and cucumber beetles.

Average Sizes by Variety

  • Dill’s Atlantic Giant: 200–400 lbs (home gardeners), 1,000–2,000 lbs (competitive growers)

  • Big Max: 100–150 lbs

  • Howden Biggie: 50–100 lbs

  • Standard Pumpkins (Jack-O-Lantern types): 10–25 lbs

Even at the lower end, Big Max and Howden Biggie produce pumpkins that are 5–10 times larger than standard carving pumpkins.

Related Blog Resources

FAQ: Growing Giant Pumpkins

Q: How long does it take to grow a giant pumpkin?
A: Expect 120–150 days from seed to harvest.

Q: Which pumpkin variety grows the biggest?
A: Dill’s Atlantic Giant — it holds multiple world records, with fruits over 2,700 pounds.

Q: How big does Big Max get?
A: Typically 100–150 pounds, making it one of the best “entry-level giants.”

Q: How many pumpkins should I let grow per plant?
A: Just one pumpkin per vine if you want maximum size.

Q: What fertilizer works best for giant pumpkins?
A: Start with nitrogen for vine growth, then shift to potassium and phosphorus after fruit set.

Q: Do I need a huge garden to grow a giant pumpkin?
A: Atlantic Giant needs 200+ square feet per plant, while Big Max and Howden Biggie can thrive in smaller plots.

Conclusion: Grow Your Own Pumpkin Giant

From the legendary Dill’s Atlantic Giant to family favorites like Big Max (100–150 lbs) and Howden Biggie (50–100 lbs), there’s a giant pumpkin for every gardener. With proper care, you’ll harvest pumpkins that become the highlight of your garden and the centerpiece of fall celebrations.

👉 Bulk Pumpkin Seed Packs
👉 Smaller Seed Packs

Start your giant pumpkin journey today, and by fall you could be rolling a pumpkin that weighs more than you do!

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