Cucurbita maxima

Cucurbita maxima — the squash species behind giant pumpkins and the sweetest winter storers (Hubbard, buttercup, kabocha), domesticated in South America. The keeping squash of our gourds and squash range.

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Cucurbita maxima — giant pumpkins and winter squash

Cucurbita maxima is the squash species that produces the largest, sweetest fruit of all — giant pumpkins, Hubbard, buttercup, kabocha and crown prince among them. It anchors the storing side of our gourds and squash range, our winter squash and many pumpkins.

History & origin

Unlike its cousin Cucurbita pepo, this species was domesticated in South America, in the region of Argentina, Bolivia and Peru, where its wild ancestor still grows. From the Andes it spread through the Americas and, after European contact, around the globe. Cucurbita maxima includes the record-breaking giant pumpkins that can weigh hundreds of kilograms — the heaviest fruit ever grown by gardeners.

The species name says it plainly: maxima means “the largest.”

Botanical characteristics

These are large, trailing vines with soft, rounded stems and big, dense fruit prized for sweet, deep-coloured flesh and excellent storage. The group is known for fine eating squash as well as show-stopping giants, and the fruit keeps for months once cured. It sits alongside the related Cucurbita pepo and Cucurbita moschata in the wider squash family.

Growing Cucurbita maxima from seed

Give these hungry plants a long, warm season: start indoors in pots and plant out after frost into very rich soil, then water and feed generously through summer. For the biggest fruit, limit each plant to just a few squash. Let them ripen hard and cure in the sun before storing somewhere cool and dry. Our vegetable sowing calendar and harvesting guide cover timing and storage.

Ready to grow winter squash? Browse the varieties or learn the basics first.

Related categories: Winter Squash · Pumpkin · Gourds & Squash · Cucurbita pepo · Cucurbita moschata

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cucurbita maxima?
The squash species behind giant pumpkins and many of the sweetest winter storing squash.

Where does it originate?
From South America, around Argentina, Bolivia and Peru.

What does the name mean?
Maxima means “the largest” — the species includes record giant pumpkins.

How is it different from pepo?
Maxima and moschata are grown to ripen hard and store; pepo gives most of the soft summer types.

How do I grow it?
Give it a long warm season in very rich soil, limit fruit per plant for size, and cure for storage.