The 1,258kg Giant Pumpkin

We’re super excited to welcome a VIP (Very Important Pumpkin) guest to this year’s Pumpkin Fest. Grown by Hampshire-based giant vegetable grower Ian Paton, ‘Baloo’ took first place in the pumpkin category at the UK National Giant Vegetables Championship at the Malvern Autumn Show in September. Now ranked the third-heaviest pumpkin ever recorded, this extraordinary gourd is certainly one you want to see for yourself!

Just how big is it?

Weighing an astounding 1,258kg, this impressive pumpkin could make an estimated 1,500 pumpkin pies. In other words, it weighs the same as one Mini Cooper, two Devon Red Cows or thirteen Michael Darts!

Come and see the third-heaviest pumpkin in the world at our Pumpkin Fest!

‘Baloo’ will be exclusively on display at Darts Farm’s Pumpkin Fest, bringing an extra-special seasonal spectacle to our autumn celebrations. Whether you’re visiting with family, just enjoying the autumnal atmosphere, or simply curious to witness how big a pumpkin can grow, our VIP is not one to be missed.

How long does it take to grow?

Surprisingly, the seed of this beast was only planted in April this year. The summer of heatwaves only fuelled the growth of ‘Baloo’, who was tended to in a greenhouse that saw temperatures soar to 40 degrees on the hottest days. The incredible rate of growth meant the pumpkin grew up to 32kg daily.

Pumpkin Fest runs on selected dates throughout October, from 10am to 4:30pm (last entry at 3pm).

2026 event dates:

Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th
Saturday 17th & Sunday 18th
Saturday 24th & Sunday 25th
Monday 26th to Saturday 31st

Tickets cost £5, with under 1's going free.

Book your Pumpkin Fest tickets now. It’s going to be a great one!

BUY YOUR TICKETS

Follow along on our Instagram to see the behind the scenes:

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Darts Farm

Meet The Third-largest Pumpkin in the World: 1,258kg Giant Lands at Darts Farm

Posted in News on 09 Oct 2026

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