Ian Paton sets world record with 1,296 kg giant pumpkin

Ian Paton, a 65-year-old British grower, has set a new world record for the heaviest pumpkin. The specimen, named Bagheera, weighed approximately 1,296 kilograms (about 2,856 pounds) during an official weighing at Wargrave Nursery in Berkshire on October 3.

Paton achieved this feat solo, marking a personal milestone after previously setting records alongside his brother, Stuart. To reach this weight, Paton dedicated up to six hours of intensive care daily for two months, which included burying vine sections to stimulate root growth and providing roughly 492 liters of water per day.

The new record surpasses the previous mark of 1,279 kilograms, which was also held by the Paton brothers. With this achievement, Paton now holds the top three positions in the global rankings.