Plant Database / Winter squash / Big Max care

Winter squash 'Big Max'

Cucurbita maxima

40 plantings
10 available for swap
0 wanted
35 stashed

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Big Max is part of the Cucurbita genus and is a Winter squash variety. Its scientific name is Cucurbita maxima 'Big Max'. Big Max is a variety of OP Winter squash .

Although often called a pumpkin, this is not a “true” pumpkin species (C. pepo).

Huge, round to flattened-round, pinkish-orange fruits. Can reach 6 feet in diameter and 100 pounds or more. Excellent for prize pumpkins!

It grows mainly as an Annual, so it will last but a year in its native climate. Normally growing to a mature height of 50.0 cm (1.62 feet), Big Max grows with a vine-like habit.

Big Max Winter squash is great for inexperienced gardeners and those that like low maintainance gardens.

This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Winter squash 'Big Max' have been kindly provided by our members.

How to grow Winter squash 'Big Max'

Full Sun
+
Medium

Plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Big Max is thought of as tender, so remember to wait until your soil is warm and the night time temperature is well above freezing before moving outside. Use USDA Hardiness Zone 10 - 12 as your guideline for the appropriate climate for this plant. Big Max requires a soil ph of 6.1 - 7.5 meaning it does best in weakly acidic soil - weakly alkaline soil.

Growing Big Max from seed

Try to aim for a seed spacing of at least 2.27 feet (70.0 cm) and sow at a depth of around 1.17 inches (3.0 cm). Soil temperature should be kept higher than 21°C / 70°F to ensure good germination.

Transplanting Big Max

Ensure that temperatures are mild and all chance of frost has passed before planting out, as Big Max is a tender plant.

Harvesting Big Max

Expect harvests to start to occur in mid autumn.