- Until 1996, no grower had produced a thousand pound pumpkin, but that barrier was broken twice in that year. In 2003, alone 63 growers exceeded that mark, and the record weight grew almost annually.
- Atlantic Giant pumpkins hold exclusive title to the record class fruit. Growers select vigorous plants and the most promising individual fruit for special nurturing.
- Seedlings are usually planted indoors early in the season to extend the fruiting period. Several pumpkins are allowed to set on the vines and the slower fruits are pruned out to focus energy in a single pumpkin.
- Essential care includes placement of the fruit and support of the vine, which may be damaged as the pumpkin swells. Daily watering and plenty of fertilizer are required--to beat the current record, growth must be literally nonstop.
- More than fame is at stake in the world class pumpkin competition. The potential prize for a new world's record fruit in 2008 was $20,000.
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