Pumpkin | Dill's Atlantic Giant

Grow record-breaking, massive prize-winners right in your backyard with Dill’s Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds. Originating in Nova Scotia, Canada, this legendary heirloom holds the world record for mammoth fruit size, capable of producing colossal pumpkins weighing from 200 pounds to over 1,000 pounds under ideal growing conditions.

Featuring thick, deeply ribbed orange-to-yellow skin and massive, vigorous vines, Dill’s Atlantic Giant is the undisputed king of giant pumpkins. Whether you are aiming to enter your local fall fair competition or simply want to grow the most impressive display pumpkin on your block, these Canadian-bred seeds deliver unmatched growing potential.

Why Grow Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkin?

• World-famous Canadian heirloom bred specifically for giant competitive pumpkin growing
• Produces massive, impressive fruit ranging from 200 lbs to over 1,000 lbs
• Deeply ribbed skin with vibrant orange, yellow, and salmon hues
• Thick, sturdy stems and ultra-vigorous vine growth
• Perfect for giant pumpkin weigh-offs, fall fair displays, and monumental autumn decor
• Approximately 120–130 days to maturity
• Grows best in full sun with rich, fertile soil
• Open-pollinated heirloom variety
• Approximately 5 seeds per packet

How to Grow Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkin from Seed

Start pumpkin seeds indoors 3–4 weeks before your last spring frost date in 4-inch peat pots to avoid disturbing the sensitive roots during transplanting. Sow seeds 2.5 cm (1 inch) deep on their edge in a warm location maintained at 24–29°C (75–85°F) for rapid germination.

Transplant outdoors in late spring once all danger of frost has passed and soil temperatures consistently reach 18–21°C (65–70°F). Select an expansive area receiving full sun with rich, warm, well-draining soil heavily amended with compost or well-rotted manure.

Space giant pumpkin plants generously, allowing 15–20 feet (4.5–6 meters) between plants to accommodate their extensive vine spread. Keep soil consistently moist with deep watering at the base of the plant, avoiding wet foliage.

For maximum size, prune vines to focus energy and allow only one single pumpkin to develop per plant once pollination occurs. Harvest in late autumn before hard frosts arrive by cutting the stem with a sharp knife, leaving 3–4 inches of stem attached.

Growing Giant Pumpkins in Canada

Dill’s Atlantic Giant is a proud piece of Canadian agricultural history, developed by Howard Dill in Windsor, Nova Scotia. Because giant pumpkins require a long, warm season of 120+ days, starting seeds indoors under grow lights is essential for Canadian growers.

Utilizing raised beds, black landscape fabric, or row covers early in the season will help trap ground heat in cooler Canadian zones, giving your giant pumpkin the best possible jump-start on summer growth.

For detailed instructions covering seed starting, spacing, watering, fertilizing, harvesting, and pest management, read our How To Grow Pumpkin in Canada | Complete Guide.

Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkin Growing Information

Feature	Detail
Botanical Name	Cucurbita maxima 'Dill\'s Atlantic Giant'
Common Name	Pumpkin (Dill's Atlantic Giant)
Plant Type	Warm-season annual vine crop
Sun Requirements	Full sun
Days to Maturity	Approximately 120–130 days
Seed Count	Approximately 5 seeds
Pollination Type	Open-pollinated heirloom variety
Best Uses	Giant pumpkin competitions, fall fair weigh-offs, giant jack-o'-lanterns, and fall displays

Grow Your Own Dill’s Atlantic Giant Pumpkins

There is nothing quite like watching a single pumpkin grow by leaps and bounds every week right in your own garden plot. With its rich Canadian heritage, world-record potential, and undeniable wow-factor, Dill’s Atlantic Giant is an exciting and rewarding addition to your summer garden.

Start your seeds indoors this spring and take on the ultimate giant pumpkin growing challenge!