Cucurbita maxima

RHS Plant Profile
great pumpkin

Other common names

autumn squash, winter squash

Fruit Edible Annual Biennial

An annual which scrambles along the ground and over low shrubs, reaching 5m if unchecked. It has large green palmate leaves and yellow flowers. These develop into a huge range of fruit shape, colour and skin texture. A great many named cultivars are available, some of which do not spread but all are edible

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Loam, Sand

Max Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Max Spread

2.5-4 metres

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year
Max Spread
2.5-4 metres
Max Height
0.1-0.5 metres

Growing Conditions

Loam Sand
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched, Trailing
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
Name Status
Correct

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. For more advice see pumpkin cultivation

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Edible fruit

Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews