The science behind growing a giant pumpkin
Across the United States, growers like Scott push the limits of plant growth each fall, cultivating colossal pumpkins that can exceed 2,000 pounds
In Tony Scott's backyard sits a pumpkin nearly the size of a small car. For months, the upstate New York semiconductor engineer has carefully nurtured it — feeding fertiliser, monitoring its growth with measuring tape, and covering it with a blanket at night to maintain a steady temperature.
"I've never seen anything grow this fast," said Scott, whose pumpkin weighed in at 1,931 pounds (876 kilogrammes)—enough to take third place in this year's regional competition.
Across the United States, growers like Scott push the limits of plant growth each fall, cultivating colossal pumpkins that can exceed 2,000 pounds (900 kilogrammes). While other gourds such as squashes, cucumbers, and watermelons can also grow to impressive sizes, the pumpkin remains the undisputed giant of the patch—a seasonal star at autumn fairs and Halloween festivals.
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How to grow a pumpkin that breaks records
The quest for a record-breaking pumpkin begins with the seed. Most growers rely on Atlantic Giant seeds, a variety known for producing enormous fruits with the right care and growing conditions.
From there, it's all about balance — water, nutrients, and consistent attention. Giant pumpkins can absorb hundreds of gallons of water each day and, thanks to a highly efficient vascular system, rapidly transport nutrients throughout the plant.
As vines spread, growers typically remove smaller pumpkins so that all available energy is directed into a single fruit. "That helps make it extra big in a way that you might not see in the wild," explained Aleca Borsuk, a plant scientist at the New York Botanical Garden.
Gravity also plays a role in their unusual shape. Giant pumpkins tend to sprawl outward rather than upward, taking on a wide, flattened form that often looks like a lumpy orange pancake. Scott covers his pumpkin with a tarp to prevent sunlight from hardening its skin too quickly, and waters it using an overhead sprinkler system.
Can pumpkins just keep growing?
"The answer is no," said Borsuk. No matter how large they get, pumpkins eventually reach maturity and stop growing.
Scott, who has been cultivating giants for eight years, said it still amazes him to see how rapidly they expand—sometimes gaining 40 to 50 pounds (18 to 23 kilogrammes) a day. He even sets up reflective panels and a fake wolf cutout to scare off deer and other animals tempted by the massive orange fruit.
Woodchucks have been known to nibble the vines, but Scott remains undeterred. After the weigh-off season ends, he displays his pumpkin at local events and hauls it around on a trailer — often drawing curious onlookers.
"The first question they ask is, 'Is it real?'" he said with a laugh. "Where would you buy a fake pumpkin this big?"
