Rhode Island Farmer Shatters World Record with 3,156-Pound Pumpkin
In a stunning display of agricultural prowess, Rhode Island farmer Ron Wallace has set a new Guinness World Record for the heaviest pumpkin ever grown. His colossal gourd tipped the scales at an astonishing 3,156 pounds at the Southern New England Giant Pumpkin Weigh-Off held at Frerichs Farm in Warren on October 1. This monumental achievement marks the first time any pumpkin has surpassed the 3,000-pound barrier, a milestone that had long seemed out of reach for even the most dedicated growers.
The record-breaking pumpkin utterly demolished the previous world record of 2,856 pounds, which had been set just a week earlier, according to Guinness World Records. Wallace’s entry, grown in Greene, Rhode Island, instantly became the heaviest pumpkin ever officially recorded. The sheer size of the pumpkin—roughly equivalent to the weight of a small car—has captivated audiences and underscored the incredible dedication and skill involved in competitive giant pumpkin growing. Wallace, a seasoned competitor, has now cemented his legacy in the annals of horticultural history.
While Wallace’s pumpkin stole the headlines, the spirit of friendly competition and seasonal creativity was also on display across the Atlantic. In a fitting tribute to Spooky Season, Sunnyfields Farm in Southampton, UK, transformed an overflowing harvest of home-grown pumpkins and squashes into a record-breaking mosaic. The farm arranged hundreds of gourds to form the largest cucurbita mosaic (image), depicting the legendary rocker Ozzy Osbourne—the Prince of Darkness—complete with bats flying around him. Official Guinness World Records Adjudicator Pravin Patel confirmed the mosaic to have a mammoth area of 212 square meters (2,281 square feet), which is around the size of a tennis court.
These two remarkable feats highlight the global fascination with pumpkins, whether through the pursuit of ever-larger specimens or through artistic expression. Wallace’s record-breaking pumpkin not only sets a new benchmark for future growers but also captures the imagination of the public, proving that with dedication and a bit of magic, even a simple seed can grow into something extraordinary. As the world marvels at these achievements, one thing is certain: the quest for the biggest and most creative pumpkin displays is far from over.
Shimanta Das 
