The Heaviest Jack O' Lantern Ever Carved Weighed as Much as a Car

Are you even celebrating Halloween correctly if you haven’t carved a jack o’ lantern? Jack o’ lanterns have historically been labeled the most popular Halloween decorations to set out every October. The coolest thing about jack o’ lanterns is that you can carve whatever you want on the front of your pumpkin, which means you don’t have to stick to regular spooky faces. Some of the most intricate jack o’ lantern designs have showcased zodiac symbolism, fall leaves, and intricate shapes.

Another benefits to carving jack o’ lanterns in the fall is that they leave your home smelling like pumpkin, which is one of the most popular fragrances of the season. This simple way of showing your neighbors your Halloween spirit is also a great bonding activity for family members and friends. Here’s what you should know about the heaviest jack o’ lantern ever carved. Interestingly enough, the heaviest jack o’ lantern weighs just as much as a car!

Details about the Heaviest Jack O’ Lantern Ever

The heaviest jack o’ lantern on record made its debut in Half Moon Bay, California. It garnered national attention in 2022 for weighing a massive 2,749 pounds. The person who brought this giant pumpkin to everyone’s attention was a horticulture teacher from Minnesota named Travis Gienger. Once the enormous Moon Bay pumpkin was seen by the world, it took away the title of “heaviest pumpkin” from an Italian grower who presented their 2,702-pound pumpkin back in 2021. The average jack o’ lantern weighs anywhere between seven and 10 pounds. Obviously, this massive pumpkin blows every average-sized alternative out of the water.

Travis successfully snagged the 50th World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off title. According to ABC News, his pumpkin was large enough to produce a minimum of 687 pies. The reason his particular pumpkin grew to such a massive size was due to Travis’s dedication. He showed his pumpkin patch a lot of love. He claimed that he would water the pumpkins in his backyard 12 times a day and regularly sprinkle extra fertilizer on them. On top of taking home such an impressive title, Travis also won $30,000. There was nothing aesthetically pleasing about the pumpkin, though. It was lopsided, lumpy, and covered in green blotches. Attractive pumpkins are usually rounder in shape with a healthy orange tint to them. This giant pumpkin did not fit those standards. Still, its size made it worthy of endless media coverage.

What Can You Do With Such a Giant-Sized Pumpkin?

Along with entering competitions to win cash prizes, there are several cool things you can do with a pumpkin that weighs 2,749 pounds. As previously mentioned, this pumpkin could be used to bake 687 pies for dessert! In theory, it could also be used for several other delicious recipes to chow down on. Roasted pumpkin seeds, pumpkin purée, pickled pumpkin brine, and pumpkin spice lattes are just a few ideas. Pumpkin bread, pumpkin muffins, pumpkin butter, pumpkin chili, and pumpkin pancakes are also worth taste testing.

If the flavor of pumpkin doesn’t tickle your fancy, a massively-sized pumpkin could be utilized for things that aren’t edible for humans. Pumpkin parts can be arranged to make pumpkin bird feeders, pumpkin seed art, and even treats for your pets. Cats and dogs are two commonly owned pets to have. Pumpkin is just fine for both of these animals to consume. The only safety measure to keep in mind is that the stems and leaves of pumpkins are covered in prickly hairs that aren’t exactly pet friendly.

Tips For Growing Larger Pumpkins

Growing a pumpkin that weighs just as much as a car may not be the easiest feat to accomplish, but that doesn’t mean you can’t still grow some impressively sized pumpkins in your own backyard. Some of the tips to keep in mind when, growing your own pumpkins include preparing the soil, using fertilizer, and choosing the right location. If the soil hasn’t properly been prepared or you are neglecting the use of fertilizer, there’s a chance your pumpkins won’t end up as big as you want them to be.

Deciding on the right location is beyond crucial since pumpkins need an ample amount of direct sun throughout the day. Aim for locations that will provide your pumpkins with at least six hours of sunshine every day. Paying attention to the time you start harvesting your pumpkins is also key. Planting pumpkin seeds between May and June is the best time of year to get started. This way, the seeds won’t be faced with too much frostiness or cold weather. It’s okay for bees to buzz around your pumpkins since pollination is part of the natural process, but squash bugs should always be removed when you see them.