Connecticut’s Giant Pumpkins: Breaking Records and Defying Shortages

While past years have seen warnings of pumpkin shortages in the northeastern United States due to extreme weather events, Connecticut growers have been breaking records with their enormous gourds in recent seasons.

Record-Breaking Pumpkins in Connecticut

In 2024, Connecticut’s pumpkin growing scene has been thriving, with multiple record-breaking events:

• At the Durham Fair, Ray Leonzi of Trumbull shattered records with a massive 2,014.5-pound pumpkin[4].
• The Ridgefield Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off saw an out-of-state entry tip the scales at an astounding 2,154 pounds, setting a new event record[1].
• Steve Maydan, a local Ridgefield grower, set a new Connecticut state record in the long gourd category and won the Howard Dill award for the prettiest pumpkin[1].

Growing Giants: Tips from the Experts

Hayden Rouse, a Bernardston grower who has cultivated pumpkins exceeding 1,400 pounds, offers advice for aspiring giant pumpkin growers:

• Seek out experienced giant pumpkin growers for guidance and seeds.
• Invest time in burying vines to expose them to biological fertilizers.
• Focus on seed genetics, as they play a crucial role in growing massive pumpkins[2].

The Future of Giant Pumpkins in Connecticut

Connecticut growers continue to aim high, with some setting their sights on the world record. The current world record stands at 2,749 pounds, set by a California grower in 2023[2]. Alex Noel, who holds the Connecticut state record with a 2,294.5-pound pumpkin, is among those aspiring to break the world record[3].

Community Impact

Giant pumpkin growing has become a beloved community event in Connecticut. The Ridgefield Giant Pumpkin Weigh-off, now in its 12th year, has grown into a significant festival, bringing together growers, sponsors, and pumpkin enthusiasts from across the region[7].

As the Halloween season approaches, Connecticut’s giant pumpkins ensure that there’s no shortage of festive spirit in the state, proving that with dedication and the right techniques, local growers can produce extraordinary results year after year.

Time Lapse

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^{[1] https://www.hamlethub.com/ridgefield-connecticut/76719-ridgefield-giant-pumpkin-weigh-off-record-setting-success
[2] https://www.recorder.com/Bernardston-man-grows-1-400-pound-pumpkin-56397397
[3] https://www.ctinsider.com/living/article/biggest-pumpkin-CT-world-record-17504637.php
[4] https://www.middletownpress.com/news/article/durham-fair-connecticut-2024-104-years-pumpkins-19803845.php
[5] https://www.worldclassgardening.com/association/ctgpgc
[6] https://tools.pumpkinfanatic.com/Top10AvgState.php?State=Connecticut
[7] https://www.ctpost.com/news/article/12th-giant-pumpkin-weigh-off-coming-sunday-19774456.php}