Gladys the Giant Pumpkin: A Record-Breaking Grower's Quest

Essex heating engineer and amateur gardener Ben White germinated the Atlantic giant pumpkin he named Gladys on 19 April and pollinated it on 30 June. He cultivated the fruit in an 18-metre polytunnel, supplying water, nutrients and a cooling fan. White says no “tricks” were used, emphasizing the aim of pushing the plant toward its genetic potential.

The Guardian

At its peak Gladys weighed about 544 kg (1,200 lb) and measured a 4.3-metre circumference, covering roughly 600 sq ft of ground. While massive, the pumpkin falls short of the current world record held by twin brothers Stuart and Ian Paton, whose pumpkin reached 1,278 kg with a 6.4-metre circumference after a 50-year progression of larger specimens.

The Guardian

White intends to enter Gladys in the Canna UK National Giant Vegetables Championship scheduled for the end of the month. The competition will also serve as a charity showcase, with proceeds supporting the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. White notes that previous giant pumpkins—Gloria and Greta—helped raise £1,100 for the same cause.

The Guardian

• “It gives the challenge a purpose beyond simply trying to grow an enormous pumpkin,” — Ben White

The Guardian

Gladys will be displayed at the upcoming championship, where judges will assess its size against other giant vegetables. While the pumpkin is unlikely to surpass the Paton brothers’ record, the event will highlight both horticultural ambition and community fundraising.

The Guardian