Once the Russians reached the islands in the 18th century they found a pseudo-etymology from Russian kurit (ÐºÑÑÐ¸ÑÑ - to smoke) due to the continual fumes and steam above the islands from volcanoes.
An early, indoor start - Giant pumpkin plants require 140 days or more from the time you plant a seed, to the time you harvest the fruit. Growers seeking to break the world record, start seeds in mid to late April, and harvest fruit in early October. That means as many as 160 days, from when the seed was planted!
Ideally, harvest pumpkins on a dry, sunny day. Wear gloves to protect your hands from the prickly vines. Use hand pruners or a sharp knife to cut the vine on either side of the stem. Give your pumpkin at least a few inches of stemâup to 6 is fantastic. You can trim off excess vine pieces later.