Pumpkin squashes records

THE heaviest and widest pumpkin in the world set a new record at Wargrave Nursery Plant Centre’s giant pumpkin weigh-off.

The sixth annual competition was won by twin brothers Ian and Stuart Paton, from Lymington in Hampshire, setting two new records in the process.

The fruit weighed 1,278.6kg (2,818.9lb), beating the previous world record of 1,247.1kg (2,749.5Ib), achieved by grower Travis Gienger in California two years ago.

The pumpkin, which was grown indoors, also has the largest circumference in the world at 6.489m.

Ian Paton attended the event with his wife and son, while brother Stuart watched an online livestream from the Isles of Scilly.

Mr Paton said: “It’s amazing, just amazing. I wish Stuart was here. It’s not a shock, in fact, the result was almost the same as I measured.”

He said he will aim to beat his record next year.

His wife, Sarah, said the brothers had been trying to break the record for years, adding: “It’s amazing to have finally got it after all the hard work. I’ve been a ‘pumpkin widow’ for at least 42 years!”

Sebastian Suski, a consultant for Guinness World Records, officiated the event. He said: “The brothers have been working for years to earn this. It’s marvellous. It’s something special. A double world record is just absolutely amazing. A massive well done to them and what they have achieved.”

The event is registered with the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth and draws competitors from all over the country.

Gerald Short, from Watlington organises the event and is a judge. He said the competition attracts “the best of the best”, adding, “the proper big ones come here.” Mr Short entered the competition himself and came second with a pumpkin which weighed 859.1kg (1,894.1lb) — a new personal best for him.

He said: “It makes me more determined to come first and I’m going to keep trying until I do.

“More than anything else, what you need is dedication. I’ve got the dedication and the know-how and if you’ve got all of that, then you can do it.”

Simon Ardron, from Binfield Heath, said the secret to growing giant pumpkins is the seed.

He said: “You’ve got to start with the right seed, so you’ve got to source some genetics, then you’ve got to have a good soil — lots of manure and organic matter — and then lots of water. Then the plant really grows by itself but you’ve got to cut it as you go and tend to it all summer long. I germinate some time in April, plant some time in May and it was harvested on Friday.”

Mr Ardron said part of the fun of the competition is that people are “amazed” at what he has grown.

He said: “They’re wondering if it’s really a pumpkin you’re dragging along on your trailer, just staring at it down the motorway. I just think, ‘Don’t have a crash’.”

Larissa Bone, from Southampton, was the only woman to enter the competition. She grew her giant pumpkin on her allotment. She said: “I don’t see any reason why women shouldn’t do this. I just like pumpkins and decided to grow bigger.

“This is the first time I’ve done it — it was a test to see how it grows and to test the environment and seeds.

“I found this event online and thought I’d give it a go and we’re having a great time.”

Tim Saint, who won first place for his giant pumpkin and marrow at the Henley Farm and Country Show in September, entered a 184.6kg (407lb) pumpkin and 57.6kg (127lb) marrow.

He said growing conditions were “pretty good” this year considering the dry weather and hosepipe ban.

“It’s been quite cold in the evenings and overnight but not too bad,” he said. “There was no rain so it was watering can after watering can.”

Mr Saint, who lives in Playhatch, has been growing produce for 25 years. He said: “It’s lovely because you’re meeting up with all your friends that come each year and we all try and grow stuff bigger.”

Mark Baggs, from Wareham, entered giant marrows grown on a farm. He said: “I’ve been growing for about 20 years and have entered every year. Some of it’s about luck but you need dedication. It’s a lot of fun.”