Giant pumpkins can gain as much weight in a single day as a full-grown Golden Retriever—up to 50 pounds.

The world of competitive pumpkin growing centers on the Atlantic Giant variety, scientifically known as Cucurbita maximus. During peak growing season in August, these fruits enter a phase of explosive growth, gaining between 40 and 60 pounds every 24 hours—equivalent to the weight of an adult Golden Retriever.This rapid expansion is powered by a massive network of leaves and a specialized vascular system. A single plant can develop over 1,200 square feet of leaf surface area, functioning like a giant solar panel to produce sugars through photosynthesis. These sugars are converted into nutrient-rich sap that the plant's phloem tissues transport directly to the fruit under high pressure.In October 2023, grower Travis Gienger set a new world record at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, California. His pumpkin, named 'Michael Jordan,' weighed 2,749 pounds, shattering the previous record held by an Italian grower and demonstrating the remarkable biological potential of the species.Managing this growth requires precise conditions. The pumpkin's skin can expand so rapidly that it risks cracking or rupturing under internal pressure. Growers use shade structures and wet blankets to keep the skin soft and elastic, allowing the fruit to expand safely without damaging its outer walls.