Record-Breaking Pumpkin Grown in the UK
Two twin brothers from the United Kingdom have officially entered the Guinness World Records after growing the world’s heaviest pumpkin, weighing an astonishing 1,278 kilograms (2,818 pounds).
Ian and Stuart Paton, both 64 and lifelong residents of Hampshire, achieved the feat after nearly five decades of cultivating pumpkins. Their colossal creation, affectionately named Megalodon—after the prehistoric giant shark—surpassed all previous global records for both weight and size.
The pumpkin was measured near Reading, England, under the supervision of Guinness World Records officials. According to the organization, the pumpkin’s length reached an impressive 21 feet and 3.8 inches (6.5 meters), making it not only the heaviest but also one of the largest ever recorded.
Similar record-breaking creations have been celebrated worldwide — for instance, Saudi Arabia unveiled the world’s largest pair of sunglasses, earning a Guinness World Record.
A Lifelong Passion for Growing Giants
The Paton brothers’ fascination with pumpkin growing began in childhood. Over the years, they refined their growing techniques—experimenting with soil nutrients, watering schedules, and greenhouse temperatures—to produce increasingly larger pumpkins each season.
After transporting the giant pumpkin for two hours to the official weigh-in site, the brothers were relieved to find it had remained intact. When we saw it was still perfect after the journey, we felt a huge sense of relief and pride, Ian told local media.
Dedication Rewarded After 50 Years
For the brothers, the achievement represents more than a record. It is the culmination of half a century of persistence and passion. We’ve been doing this since we were kids, Stuart said. To finally hold the world record is a dream come true.
Their dedication to the craft has also helped inspire a small but growing community of competitive pumpkin growers across the UK. According to the UK Giant Vegetable Growers Association, interest in growing giant produce has increased in recent years, partly due to social media and televised harvest festivals.
Previous Records and Global Context
Before the Patons’ triumph, the record for the world’s heaviest pumpkin was held by Travis Gienger from Minnesota, USA, whose pumpkin weighed 1,247 kilograms (2,749 pounds) in 2023.
With their latest success, the Paton twins have once again brought Britain to the forefront of the international giant-vegetable scene. Their Megalodon stands as a towering symbol of dedication, patience, and the extraordinary possibilities of horticultural science.
