Pumpkin - Big Max (15+ seeds)

Big Max produces large, nearly-round fruit, 17-18" in diameter, and can grow well over 100 lbs! Impressive pumpkins have a beautiful smooth red-orange skin and bright orange flesh. Very thick, orange flesh. Fine for pies and canning, freezing or baking. These are the huge pumpkins. Excellent for carving, canning, and freezing. Delicious pumpkin -- a powerhouse of complex carbohydrates, protein, vitamin C, and huge amounts of vitamin A -- is according to many nutritionists a "superfood." 110 days.

Plant your pumpkin seeds outside after all chance of frost has passed and the soil temperature is 65 F. The warmer the soil, the faster the seeds will germinate. Plant 3-5 pumpkin seeds about 1 inch deep in each mound. Germination should take place in 6 - 10 days. Once they germinate, thin to 2 of the healthiest sprouts. Pumpkins are 80-90% water, so they need a lot of it to grow. The secret is to only water pumpkins when they need it. If the plant looks healthy, there is no need to water daily. When the soil is dry and the plant looks limp, give it a long deep drink. Deep but infrequent watering results in a healthier plant. To achieve maximum size, grow one pumpkin per vine, water, and fertilize regularly. Most pumpkin varieties take between 85-125 days to mature. If you would like to have pumpkins on October 1st, count backward to decide when to plant. Harvest fruits when the skin has turned completely orange. Cut from the vine, leaving a 2 - 3-inch stem attached to the fruit. Store in a warm, dry spot.