British farmer Ian Paton has set a new world record for growing the heaviest pumpkin. The giant vegetable grown by the 65-year-old resident of Lymington, Hampshire, weighs approximately 1,296 kilograms.
Paton took his pumpkin, named "Bagheera," to the annual giant pumpkin weigh-in held in Berkshire. On October 3, the vegetable was officially weighed under the direct supervision of a Guinness World Records representative.
With this result, the Briton surpassed his own record set just a year ago alongside his brother Stuart. In 2025, their pumpkin named "Muggle" weighed around 1,279 kilograms.
Growing such a massive record-breaker was no easy feat, with Paton spending up to six hours on it every day. Caring for "Bagheera" required roughly 590 liters of water daily, demanding genuine effort and dedication.
Now, the giant pumpkin will be put on display for several weeks at Sunnyfields Farm in Southampton. Following the exhibition, the record-breaking vegetable will serve as cow feed.
Agricultural achievements of this scale demonstrate how far selective breeding and precise cultivation techniques can go. Consuming 590 liters of water per day alongside hours of daily labor proves that growing giant vegetables has long surpassed traditional gardening.
It is also noteworthy how such a unique specimen is utilized after setting the record. Turning the pumpkin into livestock feed after the display offers a pragmatic approach, ensuring that the huge biomass is used efficiently.
