{"product_id":"pumpkin-big-max-952","title":"Pumpkin Big Max Seeds","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBig Max is a classic giant Pumpkin producing enormous, almost round fruits with red-orange skin and yellow-orange flesh. Fruits may flatten slightly where they rest on the ground and develop a somewhat rough surface as they mature, giving them the unmistakable appearance of an oversized traditional pumpkin.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrown primarily for its impressive size, Big Max is a favourite for exhibitions, giant-pumpkin competitions and spectacular Halloween carving. Under excellent conditions fruits can reach extraordinary proportions, with specimens historically reported at more than 200 kg.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eUnlike some pumpkins selected purely for exhibition size, Big Max also has useful edible flesh. The yellow-orange flesh can be roasted or used in soups and baking and is particularly suited to pies and other sweet pumpkin recipes. For the best culinary quality, smaller and moderately sized fruits are generally preferable to those pushed to extreme exhibition size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBig Max is an old American giant-pumpkin variety that became popular with home gardeners during the 20th century. While modern competitive giants are now dominated by Atlantic Giant genetics, Big Max remains a favourite for gardeners wanting very large, colourful pumpkins without the intensive cultivation associated with record-breaking exhibition varieties.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePumpkins originated in the Americas and have been cultivated for thousands of years. \u003cem\u003eCucurbita maxima\u003c\/em\u003e includes an extraordinary range of forms, from richly flavoured culinary pumpkins to some of the largest fruits produced by any cultivated plant.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eApproximately 8 seeds per packet\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Plant (Australia)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTropics: During the warm season, avoiding the wettest periods where disease pressure is high\u003cbr\u003eSubtropics: Spring to summer\u003cbr\u003eMild climates: Spring to early summer after frost\u003cbr\u003eCold climates: Spring after all danger of frost; start indoors where the growing season is short\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePlanting \/ Sowing\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSow approximately 20–30 mm deep directly into warm, prepared soil after all danger of frost has passed, or raise seedlings for transplanting once conditions are reliably warm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGrow in full sun in deep, fertile, well-drained soil and allow considerable room for the vigorous vines to spread. Space plants approximately 2 m apart, with additional room beneficial when growing for exceptionally large fruit.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintain consistent moisture during active growth and particularly while fruits are rapidly expanding. Water deeply at soil level where possible rather than regularly wetting the foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eFor exhibition-sized pumpkins, select one or two well-positioned young fruits and remove competing fruit so the plant can direct more energy into their development. Place a dry board, tile or thick layer of straw beneath developing pumpkins to keep them off damp soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHarvest once the skin has developed its mature red-orange colour and hardened and the stem begins to dry. Cut from the vine with a generous section of stem attached.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMaturity: approximately 110–120 days.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDue to quarantine restrictions, TAS has an 800g limit per each seed variety and WA has a 10,000 seeds limit per variety.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Eden Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Packet","offer_id":46649672040666,"sku":null,"price":3.9,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0736\/4866\/8890\/files\/V_Pumpkin_BigMax.jpg?v=1784851547","url":"https:\/\/www.edenseeds.com.au\/products\/pumpkin-big-max-952","provider":"Eden Seeds ","version":"1.0","type":"link"}