Big Max facts for kids
Big Max is a special kind of squash. It is famous for growing to a huge size. These squash can weigh over 100 pounds. They can also be 20 in (510 mm) wide if grown well.
People often call them pumpkins. But Big Max is actually a "squash-type pumpkin." This means it's a squash that looks and acts like a pumpkin. They have a bright orange color. Inside, the flesh is yellow-orange and fine-grained. The skin has deep lines and feels a bit rough. It can be 3 to 4 in (76 to 102 mm) thick. This thick skin helps Big Max squash last a long time. The inside flesh is good for canning or freezing.
Cooking with Big Max squash can be tricky because of their size. Some people say they are not as tasty as smaller pumpkins. This type of squash was created to be very large. Scientists "hybridized" them, which means they carefully bred different plants together. Some Big Max squash have grown to be as big as 300 pounds! Each squash is usually round or slightly flat.
Growing Big Max Squash
Big Max squash plants need a lot of space to grow well. To get the biggest squash, you should only let one fruit grow on each vine.
When to Plant and Harvest
It's best to plant these squash seeds about two to four weeks after the last frost of spring. They take about 110 to 120 days to become ripe. You should pick them before the first light frost in the fall. This is when the plant's leaves start to die.
How to Plant Seeds
Even though there are different ideas, seeds are often planted 1 to 3 cm (0.39 to 1.18 in) deep. They should be spaced 3 to 8 cm (1.2 to 3.1 in) apart.
