Pumpkin 'Hundredweight'

As the name suggests, 'Hundredweight' is a variety of pumpkin bred in the UK for size and reliability. While it may not reach the world-record proportions of Atlantic Giant, it consistently produces large, impressive orange fruits that are perfect for carving at Halloween. The fruits have a traditional ribbed appearance and can easily reach 20-30kg with proper care. Cultivation requires a lot of space, as the vines are vigorous and spreading. It needs a very rich, manured soil and a sunny, sheltered spot to thrive. In the UK, seeds are typically started indoors in April and moved out in June. Regular watering and a high-potash feed are essential as the fruit develops. Beyond its decorative use, the flesh is also edible, though slightly coarser than smaller culinary squash. It is a fast-growing, frost-tender annual (H2) that provides great excitement for children and competitive gardeners alike.

Sun: Full sun.

Soil: Very rich, moisture-retentive soil.

Hardiness: H2 — down to 1°C.

Flowering: Jul, Aug.