When it comes to pumpkins, most of us picture the classic orange fruit sitting on a doorstep during Halloween. But have you ever wondered just how big the biggest pumpkin in the world can get? Prepare to be amazed-because the current world record holder is a true giant among gourds!
The Record-Breaking Pumpkin: Michael Jordan
In October 2023, a colossal pumpkin named Michael Jordan shattered the world record for the heaviest pumpkin ever grown. This massive gourd weighed an astonishing 2,749 pounds (1,246.9 kilograms), making it the largest pumpkin on record to date.
The pumpkin was grown by Travis Gienger, a horticulture teacher from Minnesota who has been cultivating giant pumpkins since his teenage years. Gienger’s dedication and expertise paid off spectacularly at the 50th Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off held in Half Moon Bay, California, where Michael Jordan took the crown.
What Makes Michael Jordan So Special?
The name Michael Jordan is a nod to the legendary basketball player, inspired by the pumpkin’s early shape, which was perfectly round like a basketball when it was just ten days old. Although it didn’t keep that spherical form, the pumpkin’s sheer size more than made up for it.
Gienger attributes the pumpkin’s enormous size to meticulous care, including about 12 waterings a day and a significant investment of around $15,000 on its care and feeding. He also used a special seed variety called the 2365 Wolf, known for producing large squash.
How Big Is 2,749 Pounds in Perspective?
To put this into perspective, Michael Jordan weighs as much as a small hippo! Imagine a pumpkin so heavy that it could make at least 687 pumpkin pies-that’s a lot of pie to share at a fall festival or Thanksgiving dinner.
Before Michael Jordan, the previous record was held by an Italian grower, Stefano Cutrupi, whose pumpkin weighed 2,702 pounds (1,226 kilograms) in 2021. Gienger’s pumpkin surpassed that by 47 pounds, setting a new benchmark for pumpkin growers worldwide.
The World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
The contest where this record was set, the World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off, has a fun history. It started in 1974 as a friendly competition between two U.S. towns claiming to be the pumpkin capital of the world: Circleville, Ohio, and Half Moon Bay, California.
Over the years, this event has grown into an international spectacle, drawing growers who dedicate months of hard work to produce the biggest, heaviest pumpkins possible. Travis Gienger has been a standout competitor, winning three of the past four championships since 2020.
Growing a Giant Pumpkin: The Secrets Behind the Size
Growing a pumpkin this big is no easy feat. It requires:
– Expert knowledge of horticulture and pumpkin biology.
– Consistent watering, sometimes multiple times a day.
– Specialized fertilizers and nutrients to encourage growth.
– Careful monitoring to protect the pumpkin from pests and diseases.
– The right seed variety, like the 2365 Wolf, which is bred for size.
Gienger’s approach combines all these elements, along with years of experience and a passion for pumpkin growing.
Beyond Weight: The Largest Circumference and Jack-o’-Lanterns
While weight is the main focus, some giant pumpkins also set records for circumference. For example, Gienger’s 2022 pumpkin, called Maverick, weighed 2,560 pounds and had a record circumference of 242 inches (over 20 feet around). It was famously carved into an eagle-themed jack-o’-lantern, showing that these pumpkins aren’t just big-they’re also works of art.
Why Do People Grow Giant Pumpkins?
The appeal of growing giant pumpkins goes beyond breaking records. It’s about:
– The challenge of pushing nature’s limits.
– Community and tradition, with festivals and weigh-offs bringing people together.
– Creativity, especially when giant pumpkins are carved into stunning jack-o’-lanterns.
– Education and passion, as many growers like Gienger are teachers who share their knowledge with others.
Final Thoughts
The biggest pumpkin ever grown is a true marvel of nature and human dedication. Weighing in at 2,749 pounds, Michael Jordan is a symbol of what careful nurturing and passion can achieve in the world of giant gourds.
If you ever get the chance to see one of these giants in person, it’s an experience you won’t forget-proof that pumpkins can be much more than just a seasonal decoration!
The biggest pumpkin in the world weighs an incredible 2,749 pounds, grown by Minnesota’s Travis Gienger in 2023. It’s a testament to dedication, care, and the thrill of growing something truly monumental.