Cucurbita maxima or pumpkin is a bulky climbing plant from the Cucurbitaceae family. Its fruit is spherical and can often reach a weight of 50 kilograms, with reports of even larger pumpkins.

The pumpkin is mainly used in the preparation of sweets and pies, while it also has decorative uses. In the USA, pumpkins are popular during Halloween, where they are turned into lanterns with scary faces.

Important characteristics of the pumpkin:

• Generally a vegetable crop plant, its fruits are used in cooking or for decorative purposes.
• It multiplies by sowing and has rapid growth.
• Requires temperatures above 22 degrees Celsius and soil rich in organic matter.
• Fertilization is necessary during its growth.

The pumpkin is available in varieties used for competitions (e.g. Dill's Atlantic Giant) and for making sweets such as pies and savory tarts. It is also used for decorative purposes, especially during the Halloween period.