Knockrow farmer’s giant 867kg pumpkin breaks southern hemisphere record
Knockrow farmer Dale Oliver’s super-sized pumpkin has smashed the record for the biggest pumpkin in the Southern Hemisphere.
NSW
Don't miss out on the headlines from NSW. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Knockrow farmer Dale Oliver says there are no secrets to growing a super-size pumpkin after smashing the record for the biggest pumpkin in the Southern Hemisphere with a mammoth gourd weighing 867kg.
The citrus and avocado grower weighed in his whopper Atlantic giant pumpkin at the 2021 Giant Pumpkin and Watermelon Festival in northern NSW over the weekend.
After a month of sweltering November heat, even he was surprised by the weight of the pumpkin, which swelled from a flower to its jaw-dropping size in 81 days.
“It was still growing when we picked it,” Mr Oliver said.
“It surprised me that it was that big. It wows people who haven’t seen it before but not me, I’m used to them.”
The world’s heaviest pumpkin weighed 1,190.49 kg and was grown by Belgian Mathias Willemijns in October 2016.
Mr Oliver has been growing super-size pumpkins for years, a hobby that even he admits stems from an odd fascination.
“It’s a bit odd really. I also grow things for a living so it was a challenge. And I once saw one at a shopping centre and it inspired me. Plus the kids love it.”
But behind the giant task, is a lot of hard work. Mr Oliver would at times spend up to six hours a week replanting the vines and maintaining the pumpkin.
Growing a record-breaker is all about finding the right seed, using nutrient-rich soil and having mild weather conditions ranging from 16-25 degrees.
“You can grow a big pumpkin in all types of soil, there’s no secrets, it’s just about trying to get it right. You need the soil to have the right moisture, as well as use fungicide, insecticide and do some pruning and vine management.”
And while the pumpkin could feed a town, he instead plans to use its seeds to rear another winner.
“I won’t be eating it but my mate will pick it up and put it somewhere in the town for people to see. I also wanna get the seeds out of it and grow the next big one.“
More Coverage
Originally published as Knockrow farmer’s giant 867kg pumpkin breaks southern hemisphere record
Plan for 24-hour city will see $1B boost to economy, 7000 jobs
The NSW economy will be set for a $1 billion injection from the rollout of 24-hour entertainment precincts across the Sydney CBD, as well as 7000 new jobs. Here’s what you need to know.
Shots fired and car burnt out in ‘related’ gangland incidents
A person has narrowly avoided being shot after a barrage of bullets were fired on a busy road at Auburn, reportedly by men wearing balaclavas and dark clothing.