Dills Atlantic Giant Pumpkin

Direct sow seeds outdoors after all danger of frost has passed and soil temperature reaches at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit, ideally warmer for vigorous germination. Plant seeds 1 inch deep in prepared soil.

Harvest Dill's Atlantic Giant pumpkins when the skin has deepened to a rich, fully saturated medium orange color and has hardened enough that a fingernail cannot easily pierce it. The stem should be brown and woody, not green. Allow pumpkins to mature fully on the vine before cutting; the longer they remain in the field, the larger they'll grow. Cut pumpkins from the vine with several inches of stem attached, then cure them in a warm, well-ventilated location for 7 to 10 days before storage or display.

Selective pruning can benefit Dill's Atlantic Giant in competitive growing situations. Once the main fruit has set and begins developing, you may carefully remove some secondary vines and developing lateral fruits to concentrate the plant's considerable energy into one or two championship specimens. Any pruning should be done with care to avoid damaging the main vine or exposing the fruit to excessive sun exposure.