One of the largest varieties of pumpkin in the world, seeds from this and related strains are commonly used in pumpkin weigh-off contests. Fruits regularly grow to 50-100 pounds, and under proper conditions can weigh up to several hundred pounds! For large fruits, grow just one or two per vine. Dill's Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds hold the world record for giant pumpkins, and produce the largest fruit in the plant kingdom. Bred in eastern Canada by Howard Dill, Atlantic Giant can reach 1,000 lbs or more! The record is 2,624.6 lbs! These giants grow on very large plants, with vines up to 50' long, so they require lots of room, full sun, and fertile soil to produce the giant pumpkins. For the largest size, prepare a growing area 20 x 20 feet, and dig down three feet. Fill this with soil mixed heavily with fully composted chopped straw or rock dust. Apply a balanced organic fertilizer at transplant time, and feed the plant every two weeks with liquid kelp or fish fertilizer. Once the fruit begins to grow, remove all female flowers that follow so that there is only one fruit per plant. Professional growers use a tarp or board beneath the fruit as it develops in order to shift it once it is fully grown.

This is an old Japanese heirloom, cultivated for hundreds of years. Futtsu Black Early squash forms decorative and tasteful pumpkin-like fruits of medium size. A typical fruit from this unusual and highly prized squash weighs around 1.5kg (3 lbs). The fruits start out round and dark green — almost black — with deep ribs and some wrinkles. As they mature the fruits turn dusky grey-brown, and the nutty flavour and sweetness really improve. Cutting into this remarkable fruit releases a strong scent of cantaloupe. The squash will keep for months in storage. Plants grow 80-140cm (32-55") wide, so provide lots of space as well as fertile soil. The fruits are eminently decorative for fall displays.