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Dill's Atlantic Giant Pumpkin
This is the one. Every world-record-breaking giant pumpkin ever grown traces its lineage back to Dill's Atlantic Giant — developed over 30 years by Howard Dill of Windsor, Nova Scotia, a self-taught plant geneticist known as "The Pumpkin King." In 1981, Dill entered the Guinness World Records with a 493.5-pound pumpkin. Today, growers using descendants of his seeds have reached over 2,600 pounds.
HISTORY & HERITAGE: Howard Dill spent three decades selectively breeding Atlantic Giant, patenting the seeds in 1979 and breaking the world record in 1980 at 459 lbs. Nearly every prizewinning giant pumpkin on earth can be traced back to his seed. Dill's is itself descended from Jaune Gros de Paris, a French giant variety from the 1800s.
GROWING GUIDE: Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost. Transplant to a prepared bed in full sun after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches 65°F. Space plants 15-20 feet apart — vines can reach 30-50 feet. For maximum size, direct all energy to a single fruit by removing competing flowers and fruits. Feed every two weeks with liquid kelp or fish fertilizer. Days to maturity: 120-150 days.
LIMITED RELEASE — Available exclusively in our signature cello packets, each featuring a mailable postcard with original botanical artwork.
HISTORY & HERITAGE: Howard Dill spent three decades selectively breeding Atlantic Giant, patenting the seeds in 1979 and breaking the world record in 1980 at 459 lbs. Nearly every prizewinning giant pumpkin on earth can be traced back to his seed. Dill's is itself descended from Jaune Gros de Paris, a French giant variety from the 1800s.
GROWING GUIDE: Start seeds indoors 2-3 weeks before last frost. Transplant to a prepared bed in full sun after all frost danger has passed and soil temperature reaches 65°F. Space plants 15-20 feet apart — vines can reach 30-50 feet. For maximum size, direct all energy to a single fruit by removing competing flowers and fruits. Feed every two weeks with liquid kelp or fish fertilizer. Days to maturity: 120-150 days.
LIMITED RELEASE — Available exclusively in our signature cello packets, each featuring a mailable postcard with original botanical artwork.