Some of these varieties are not actually pumpkins at all but pumpkin-like squash. These giant pumpkin cultivars are also not normally suitable for cooking. As with any planting, selecting and preparing the planting site is critical. Make sure the site is in full sun with well-drained soil. Prepare the soil by adding a generous amount of well-rotted manure mixed with the garden soil.
Pumpkins require a long growing season and warm soils.
Seeds can be started indoors two to three weeks before the last expected frost or directly seeded into the garden after the danger of frost has past. Two or three seeds are planted in each hill or pot. Later when the first true leaves appear, thin to one plant per pot or hill. If you start the seeds indoors, be sure to harden the seedlings to outdoor conditions for a week before planting. Initially, place the seedlings in a shady, protected location and gradually expose them to longer periods of sunlight.