article image source: nypost.com (link)
In quiet suburban gardens and sprawling rural patches, a fascinating agricultural subculture is thriving — one where pumpkins grow as large as small cars and the competition is fierce. These are no ordinary gourds; they are the result of months of care, science, and sometimes obsession. Welcome to the world of competitive giant pumpkin growing.
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A Hobby That’s Anything But Small
Brandon Dawson, a manufacturing engineer from Santa Rosa, California, recently made headlines when his 2,346-pound pumpkin won the 52nd World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay. It was a sweet victory — just a year earlier, he lost the same contest by a mere six pounds. This time, Dawson celebrated by lifting his children onto the pumpkin’s broad back, a moment of triumph for a grower who’s been nurturing giants for five years. Dawson, like many growers, blends high-tech precision with traditional horticulture. His experience at Rivian Automotive has translated into a detailed understanding of watering schedules and light exposure — key factors in helping pumpkins gain up to 70 pounds a day during peak growth. In New York, another grower named Scott has been perfecting his technique for nearly a decade. His most recent entry tipped the scales at 1,931 pounds, earning third place at a major weigh-off. Scott uses Atlantic Giant seeds, the gold standard in the community, and protects his pumpkin from harsh sunlight by draping it with a tarp. To keep the temperature stable at night, he even covers it with a blanket.
Brandon Dawson celebrates after winning the 52nd annual World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California, on Monday. Photograph: Godofredo A Vásquez/AP
- image source: theguardian.com
Tony Scott stands with the pumpkin he grew in his Wappingers Falls, N.Y., backyard on Sept. 17, 2025. (AP Photo/Shelby Lum)
- image source: krcgtv.com
How Giant Pumpkins Grow
It all begins with genetics. Most competitive growers use seeds from the Atlantic Giant lineage, a cultivar of Cucurbita maxima specifically bred for enormous size. These seeds are often passed down among growers or auctioned online based on their “proven genetics” — meaning the parent pumpkin was a champion. Once planted, it becomes a race against time and biology. Growers handpick one pumpkin per vine to focus all the plant’s energy into a single fruit. These pumpkins can absorb hundreds of gallons of water in a day, aided by a robust vascular system that transports nutrients and sugars rapidly throughout the vine. To support growth, growers use custom fertilizer blends and overhead sprinkler systems. Some even install reflective panels to maximize sunlight exposure. Others go as far as placing motion-activated sprinklers or fake predators — like wolf cutouts — to scare off hungry deer or woodchucks. But despite the enormous size, these pumpkins rarely grow tall. Gravity pulls them outward, often giving them the appearance of giant, orange pancakes. The goal isn’t just size — it’s structural integrity too. A crack or a soft spot can disqualify a pumpkin from competition.
image copyright: Wikimedia/(CC BY-SA 4.0) - source: howstuffworks.com
Global Records and Growing Popularity
The competitive pumpkin-growing community has gone international. In 2023, Minnesota grower Travis Gienger broke the world record with a 2,749-pound pumpkin — heavier than a fully grown polar bear. However, in 2025, two brothers from England outdid him with a 2,819-pound gourd, setting a new world benchmark. While the U.S. remains a hotbed for giant pumpkin contests, countries like Italy, Canada, and the UK have rapidly growing communities of their own. Events like the Topsfield Fair in Massachusetts or the Ridgefield Weigh-Off in Connecticut attract thousands of spectators and often include parades, festivals, and pumpkin carving exhibitions.
What Happens After the Contest?
Contrary to what you might think, these pumpkins aren’t destined for pies. After weigh-offs, most pumpkins go on to be displayed at fall festivals, carved into enormous jack-o’-lanterns, or donated to community events. Some growers compost the remains, returning nutrients to the soil — and possibly cultivating seeds for next year’s contender. Online forums like BigPumpkins.com keep the spirit alive all year, with growers sharing progress photos, troubleshooting pest problems, and even trading seeds with fellow enthusiasts across the globe.
Conclusion: A Celebration of Patience, Passion, and Pumpkins
Giant pumpkin growing isn’t just about producing the heaviest fruit — it’s about cultivating a deep connection with the natural world. It demands patience, discipline, and an incredible level of care. For growers like Brandon Dawson and Scott, each season is a new opportunity to push nature a little further, to test new techniques, and to share the wonder with their families and communities. In a time where fast results are glorified, growing something slowly — and watching it gain 50 pounds a day — feels almost magical. Whether it's the thrill of competition, the love of gardening, or the joy of watching children marvel at a fruit bigger than they are, one thing is clear: these pumpkins grow more than just size — they grow stories, memories, and a deep-rooted appreciation for what’s possible when science meets nature.
Sources:
Associated Press, “California engineer wins pumpkin contest with 2,346-pound gourd”
New York Post, “Man shares how he competitively grows giant pumpkins the size of small cars”
CT Insider, “Annual giant pumpkin contest returns to Connecticut”
Reddit discussion: “What happens to giant pumpkins after weigh-offs?”
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