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!
When the three baby pumpkins are about 6 inches in diameter, select the best-shaped one and pick the other two. All of the vine's food will now go to feed your potential giant. Gently roll the pumpkin every week or so throughout the growing season for a perfect shaped pumpkin.