Wallace
Cucurbita maxima — 1970s heirloom giant — 50–100 kg
Wallace is a 1970s-era heirloom giant pumpkin and one of the direct ancestors in the breeding lineage that eventually produced Dill's Atlantic Giant. While modern giant genetics have long since surpassed it in scale, growing Wallace today connects growers to the historical roots of the entire giant-pumpkin hobby — orange, ribbed, and genuinely impressive in its own right.
🌱 How to Grow Wallace
6–8 hours of direct sun. As an older heirloom line, Wallace responds well to straightforward, consistent light rather than needing anything specialised.
Transplant once soil reaches 18°C. A standard warmth requirement for a large Cucurbita maxima variety.
Consistent watering 2–3 times weekly, increasing as fruit develops. Even moisture supports steady size gain over its longer season.
Allow 12–20 m² per plant. A genuine large-pumpkin footprint, smaller than modern Atlantic Giant but still substantial.
Balanced fertiliser through vegetative growth, shifting to phosphorus and potassium as fruit sets. Doesn't need the most intensive modern giant-feeding protocols to perform well.
Choose the best-set fruit early and remove competitors, maximising the plant's energy into a single pumpkin over its longer season.
🩺 Common Problems
Cause: Humid conditions and dense foliage late in a long season
Fix: Thin excess leaves for airflow and treat early with a sulphur-based spray
Cause: Squash vine borer larvae tunnelling into the main stem
Fix: Bury vine nodes for backup roots and inspect the stem base weekly
Cause: Inconsistent watering causing localised calcium deficiency
Fix: Mulch to even out soil moisture and maintain a regular watering schedule
Cause: Cooling autumn temperatures as the long season winds down
Fix: Start seeds early indoors to give the plant the longest possible warm-weather window
❓ Common Questions
How big does Wallace get?
Typically 50–100 kg — among the largest pumpkins of its era in the 1970s, though modern genetics have since surpassed it.
Why is it historically significant?
Wallace is a direct ancestor in the breeding lineage that produced Dill's Atlantic Giant, connecting today's growers to the hobby's roots.
How long does it take to mature?
110–130 days from seed to harvest, longer than most show varieties but shorter than full modern giant genetics.
Is it still competitive for shows?
Not against modern Atlantic Giant lines — Wallace is grown today mainly for its heirloom and historical value.
