Pumpkinpalooza!: how the world’s biggest pumpkin record fell twice in one week
In an unexpected twist for the category of heaviest pumpkin – when sometimes years can go by without a new challenger – just a week after the title fell in the UK on 3 October, the record has just been supersized on the other side of the Atlantic.
The new world heavyweight pumpkin, weighing 1,431.5 kg (3,156 lb), grown by Ron Wallace of Rhode Island, USA
Having this category change hands so quickly is almost unheard of – the only occasion that comes close in the GWR archives is when the record was set twice in the same day on 2 October 1999 (first in the UK, and then again bested in the USA).
By contrast, the longest reign of a pumpkin is almost five years for a 1,190.49-kg (2,624.6-lb) monster grown by Belgian farmer Mathias Willemijns, who held the title between 9 October 2016 and 26 September 2021.
The new (or more accurately, returning) Pumpkin-g in town is 60-year-old Ron Wallace, an online retailer of gardening supplies from Rhode Island, USA. This is the third time that he has held the heavyweight pumpkin title over his horticultural career and it’s safe to say that his latest victory was a decisive one.
Ian Paton (UK) with his 1,295.8-kg (2,856-lb 12.8-oz) pumpkin, named "Bagheera", on 3 October
On 10 October, his superlative squash tipped the scales at 1,431.5 kg (3,156 lb) – more than twice as heavy as a Holstein cow. It means he soared past the mark laid down by British grower Ian Paton merely a week earlier, who registered a then-all-time record weight of 1,295.8 kg (2,856 lb 12.8 oz) at a competition in Berkshire, UK.
The mega gourd was assessed by officials from the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth at the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh Off, which took place at Frerichs Farm near Warren in Rhode Island.
It was a high-stakes moment for Wallace as the pumpkin was placed on the scales to be weighed, after judges had confirmed that the fruit passed the rigorous GPC quality-control tests.
“This was my first year growing in a greenhouse and the weather was near perfect for most of the season. [But by the time of the weigh-off], I was drained,” Wallace revealed to GWR. “It's been a long season and I was beyond happy when I saw the weight!”
[My two previous world records] were both historic accomplishments at the time but this one feels a bit more special. I had a few off growing years as I was taking a more scientific approach. It felt great to see it all come together! – Ron Wallace, three-time grower of the world’s heaviest pumpkin
This phenomenal fruit – which by itself could make more than 3,000 pumpkin pies – is particularly noteworthy as it is the first in history to have surpassed the 3,000-lb threshold.
Head judge at the event, Matthew DeBacco, who has many years’ experience dealing with giant pumpkins was blown away by this next-level gigantic gourd, telling GWR: “It is astonishing to see what nature can produce under the helping hands of an expert horticulturist.”
As mentioned, this isn’t the first time that Wallace has broken new ground in the pumpkin patch. He has been growing giant gourds for some 35 years now, after taking inspiration from his dad, who he proudly acknowledges was “one of the first growers of giants in New England”.
Wallace’s record journey truly illustrates how far the pursuit of growing giant pumpkins has radically stepped up a gear in the last two decades.
I love the networking with the growers and the science behind pushing these to higher weights. Plus I love gardening! – Ron Wallace, three-time grower of the world’s heaviest pumpkin
Wallace first entered the record books in 2006 with a 681.3-kg (1,502-lb) specimen; at the time, this was the first pumpkin to officially exceed the 1,500-lb threshold.
Wallace with his first world-record pumpkin in 2006
He followed up six years later in 2012 with another game-changing gourd. This one tipped the scales at 911.27 kg (2,009 lb). Again, he was the first person on record to breach 2,000 lb.
Wallace with his second world-record pumpkin still on the vine in 2012
Now he’s done it yet again, becoming the first in history to present a valid pumpkin over 3,000 lb.
It begs the questions: does Wallace put any limit on how big he thinks his pumpkins can get and will he be back next year to try and exceed his own record? “I’m contemplating taking next year off to finish some projects around my farm,” he said. “It will be a busy off season with seminars and requests and that takes a lot of time away from getting ready for the next season. We will see...”
For anyone inspired to have a go at taking on the heaviest pumpkin title themselves next year, seasoned pro Wallace offered the following words of wisdom:
• You can start in as little as a 150-sq-ft [14 m2] area, you don’t need a big area. Start small and have fun!
• Go online and get involved with our community; growers will help mentor you and also give you seeds to grow.
• You can also go to the GPC website and find your local club. Join it and you will meet many wonderful people who will help you on your journey!
The UK’s Ian Paton may have had to relinquish the crown for the heaviest pumpkin after just a week, but his record legacy lives on.
Ian and Stuart Paton, with GWR Adjudicator Pravin Patel, and the still largest pumpkin by circumference on record in October 2025
Prior to the two holders that came in quick succession this month, the weightiest gourd was 1,278.8 kg (2,819 lb 4 oz) – this was a joint effort between Ian and his twin brother, Stuart, which was ratified on 6 October 2025. Earlier this year, Ian shared some of his advice with us on how he achieves such behemoth pumpkins.
While their 2025 specimen (nicknamed “Muggle”) now drops to third place on the all-time heavy ranking, it does still remain the largest pumpkin by circumference. It had a total wraparound measurement of 649.8 cm (255.8 in; 21 ft 3.8 in).
Wallace’s new prodigious pumpkin, meanwhile, was just shy of claiming that title too, with a circumference of 640 cm (252 in; 21 ft).
For more fantastic feats of horticultural prowess, check out our dedicated Food and Drink news page.