Dill's Pumpkin Patch in 2004

Howard William Dill (July 11, 1934 – May 20, 2008[1]) was a Canadian giant pumpkin breeder who patented a pumpkin seed variety called Atlantic Giant.[2] Dill was known as "The Pumpkin King" and "The father of all pumpkins".[2]

Dill grew pumpkin varieties for many years in the Annapolis Valley close to Windsor, Nova Scotia.[3] He left school in grade 6 and taught himself plant genetics. Dill earned business from competitive giant pumpkin growers and ordinary gardeners from Thailand and Turkey.[4]

At the International Pumpkin Association weigh-off in 1979, one of his early hybrids earned him the top prize for 199 kg (439 lb). He was given the title of "Pumpkin King" at this time.[5] Atlantic Giant pumpkin seeds were first patented in 1979 by Dill, who then went on to set the world record, this event took place in 1980 with a 459 lb (208 kg) record.[6]

Dill died in 2008 of liver cancer.[4]

References

  1. ↑ "Howard Dill Memorial Walk for Liver Health" (PDF). howarddill.com. Canadian Liver Foundation. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  2. 1 2 "The most famous man in the giant pumpkin world - Macleans.ca". www.macleans.ca. Retrieved 2019-02-01.
  3. ↑ News, GFM Network. "N.S. "pumpkin king" Howard Dill, 73". Canadian Cattlemen. Retrieved 2019-02-01. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  4. 1 2 "Pumpkin king dies". CBC News. May 21, 2008. Retrieved May 30, 2021.
  5. ↑ Kingsbury, Al (1992). The Pumpkin King: Howard Dill and the Atlantic Giant. Lancelot Press. ISBN 978-0-88999-516-1.
  6. ↑ "Great Pumpkin: Secret to Growing Giant Gourds". ABC News. 2010-10-30. Retrieved 2019-02-01.
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