By: Garden Life News | June 28, 2025
In what can only be described as a spectacular feat of gardening, a man has stunned horticulture enthusiasts across the globe after revealing the jaw-droppingly massive pumpkin he grew in his own backyard. The image of the proud gardener, arms stretched around a pumpkin nearly as tall as he is, has gone viral—earning admiration, applause, and a lot of questions about how this monster gourd came to be.
The pumpkin, weighing an estimated several hundred pounds, is not only a marvel of scale but also a testament to time, effort, and expert gardening technique. Giant pumpkins are more than just seasonal curiosities—they are the ultimate challenge for serious gardeners.
So how does someone grow a pumpkin this big? We’ve dug up the dirt on the tips and techniques that might just help you grow your very own great gourd.
The Rise of the Giant Pumpkin
Giant pumpkins are typically of the Atlantic Giant variety, bred specifically for size rather than taste. While most of us are content carving a supermarket-sized pumpkin come October, competitive growers aim for much more—some even pushing the scale past 2,000 pounds, earning Guinness World Records and local fame.
This gardener’s incredible pumpkin might not be the biggest ever grown, but it’s certainly among the largest ever seen in a private garden setting.
Tips to Grow a Giant Pumpkin
1. Choose the Right Seeds
Start with high-quality seeds from a reputable source. Atlantic Giant is the go-to variety, and seeds from a champion lineage can make all the difference.
2. Start Indoors Early
Plant seeds indoors around late March or early April in warm, moist conditions. Use large pots to allow the roots room to grow before transplanting.
3. Prep the Perfect Soil
Pumpkins need rich, loose, and well-drained soil. Add aged manure, compost, and even bone meal weeks before planting. A soil pH between 6.5 and 7.0 is ideal.
4. Give Them Space to Grow
Each pumpkin plant needs at least 400–1,000 square feet of space. Let the vines roam. Crowding can stunt growth.
5. Feed Aggressively
Pumpkins are heavy feeders. Use high-nitrogen fertilizer early on to promote leafy growth. Once the fruit sets, switch to high-phosphorus and potassium fertilizers to encourage fruit swelling.
6. Water Consistently and Deeply
Deep watering 1–2 times a week is better than shallow watering daily. Always water at the base, avoiding the leaves to prevent mold and rot.
7. Limit the Fruit
Prune the vines and allow only one pumpkin per plant to ensure all nutrients are directed to growing a single, massive fruit.
8. Protect the Pumpkin
Use blankets or shade cloths to protect the pumpkin from sunburn. Many growers place the pumpkin on sand or a soft mat to avoid rot and flattening.
9. Pollination Timing
Hand-pollinate early flowers for better control and to ensure good genetics. Early fruit set in July allows the pumpkin plenty of time to grow before fall.
10. Watch for Pests and Disease
Keep an eye out for squash vine borers, powdery mildew, and aphids. Organic neem oil or careful application of pesticide can help when necessary.
More Than Just a Hobby
For the gardener in the photo, growing this behemoth wasn’t just a hobby—it was a mission. Achieving this size takes daily attention, soil monitoring, pruning, feeding schedules, and often a network of fellow growers sharing advice and encouragement.
The joy of watching something grow from a tiny seed into a vegetable large enough to need a wheelbarrow (or a small forklift!) is unmatched. Whether it’s for fair competitions, record-setting aspirations, or just the thrill of the challenge, growing a giant pumpkin is a gardening goal worth pursuing.
Final Thoughts
If this epic pumpkin has inspired you, consider starting your own journey next season. With patience, preparation, and a bit of luck, you might find yourself the proud owner of your own backyard beast.
And who knows? You might even become the next viral pumpkin-growing sensation.
