2015 was a disappointing season for Beni Meier. Last year he became known as the man who grew the world’s largest pumpkin when he produced a 1,054 kilogram whopper, presented at a competition in Ludwigsburg in Germany.
Source: Facebook – Jucker Farm
This year Beni still managed to take the prize for the largest Swiss pumpkin, weighing a relatively modest 750.5 kilograms. The heatwave that swept across Europe could be behind the decline in size, although Beni said in an interview at Jucker Farm that he wasn’t as motivated as last year. Beni has produced the largest Swiss pumpkin 6 times. First in 2009, then in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2014 and now in 2015. He also said “on the other hand I was also glad this year was a little quieter with less hype. 2014 was tough. Interviews 3 weekends in a row, emails and phone calls in English. And all while I was becoming a father for the third time”.
These “giant pumpkins” are a particular variety of the Cucurbita maxima squash family and have been selectively bred for their size. Seeds from award winning pumpkins can sell for US$100.
To grow big, pumpkins need a lot of sun and water and while 2015 supplied plenty of sunshine its intense heat presented a watering challenge.
For more stories like this on For more stories like this on Switzerland follow us on Facebook and Twitter.
