Jarrahdale Blue Pumpkin, Cucurbita Maxima,10 Seeds (6-10 Lbs.) How to grow Great Pumpkins Culture Pumpkins need a lot of sun. Choose the sunniest place you have; remember that pumpkins are sensitive and will need shelter from wind and frost. Try to protect pumpkins from the worst of the elements by covering them during cold nights Pumpkins like and need a lot of water, but don't plant pumpkins in wet or dense soil. They need good, well-drained soil. Prepare the soil in early spring, as soon as the ground is warm. Fertilize the patch with a good four inches of rotting cow manure. Pumpkins do best in soil that is slightly acid or nearly neutral. If you live in a part of the country where there is still danger of frost in late April or early May, start pumpkin seeds indoors about two weeks before planting. Planting When seedlings have the fourth or fifth leaf, set them outdoors in hills about the size of a pitcher s mound, one plant to a hill. Protect pumpkin seedlings the first few weeks with plastic-covered frames. Space each hill at least 20 feet apart. Maintenance: Pumpkins need consistent watering, especially once fruit has set. If pollinators are not abundant, you may have to pollinate by hand, by removing the male blossoms and dusting them onto the female blossoms. The female blossoms can be distinguished by the tiny immature fruit at the base of the flower. Harvest: Pick fruit carefully, leaving a little stem, the fruit is fully mature, usually after the first autumn frost. Sowing Pumpkin Seeds: For best results, please follow the instructions in the order provided. Scarify: Soak in water for 2-4 Hours Germination: Sow 1/2 to 1" Deep, Keep Warm and moist (Not wet). Sow only after soil temperature has warmed up. About the same time you plant corn. Earlier indoors and transplant if you have a short growing season. Be sure to give pumpkins plenty of room on the ground. Our seeds/bulbs are guaranteed to be fresh but are NOT guaranteed as to results. Sorry, but there are too many variables in gardening that can impact germination. Flower seeds/bulbs are a live organism. Their germination depends on many factor including heat, cooling, sun, shade, moisture, time of sowing, etc. None of these things We can control so We can not be held responsible for them. So please do not ask for a refund, replacement or to return unused seeds/bulbs.