Ron Wallace, a farmer from Greene, Rhode Island, has grown a pumpkin that has set a new world record for size, weighing in at 3,156 pounds. The giant pumpkin was officially weighed at a competition held at Frerichs Farm in Warren, Rhode Island, surpassing the previous record of 2,856 pounds, which was set just a week earlier in Britain.

Wallace planted the seed on April 15, and the pumpkin grew steadily over the course of six months. He pollinated the pumpkin on June 8, and within a month the gourd had already reached 600 pounds. Despite the promising start, Wallace acknowledged that many factors throughout the growing season could affect the final size of the pumpkin.

Transporting the enormous pumpkin to the weigh-off was a complex task. Wallace described using a large harness, seatbelt straps, and a heavy-duty rope to secure the pumpkin carefully. It was covered with damp sheets and a comforter before being shrink-wrapped and placed on a custom pallet for the trip to the weigh-in.

The competition included about 20 entrants, but Wallace’s pumpkin stood out clearly as the largest. Although he did not weigh the pumpkin himself, likening it to “opening gifts before Christmas,” he suspected it would exceed 3,000 pounds. Guinness World Records is expected to verify the new weight, adhering to strict rules defining what qualifies as a pumpkin for the record.

Wallace said the pumpkin would enjoy a brief period in the spotlight, participating in parades and public events, including appearances planned in Pittsburgh and Massachusetts. However, he noted that public interest tends to wane after Halloween, and eventually the giant pumpkin will be composted.

The quest to cultivate giant pumpkins has accelerated since the 1980s, driven by advances in soil quality, pruning techniques, pest management, and seed genetics. Wallace emphasized the scientific approach taken by growers today and credited the community’s shared knowledge, often exchanged online, as central to producing such large fruits. His pumpkin grew at an average rate of more than 60 pounds per day at its peak.

Wallace sells seeds online to aspiring giant pumpkin growers, though seeds from his record-breaking gourd will initially be donated to hobbyist clubs for fundraising auctions. He stressed the importance of placing these prized seeds into the hands of experienced growers.

Reflecting on the public’s fascination with giant pumpkins, Wallace remarked on their universal appeal, noting that people from all backgrounds are captivated by their size and beauty. “A giant pumpkin brings a smile to everybody’s face,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where you’re from, what nationality you are—giant pumpkins don’t care about any of that.”