Piet Lotz grew the record-breaking pumpkin, securing the R30 000 top prize and successfully defending his title after last year’s winning 1 120kg entry.
Lotz told Farmer’s Weekly that this year’s festival saw trucks and trailers arriving slowly and carefully, loaded with massive pumpkins that had been grown and carefully nurtured over several months. The pumpkins were officially weighed and judged on Saturday, 28 March.
John Booysen secured second place with a pumpkin weighing 816kg, while Pieter Conradie took third place with an entry of 793kg.
In a statement, the organisers praised all participants for their dedication, saying that growing giant pumpkins requires months of hard work, attention and daily care.
Lotz attributed his record-breaking pumpkin to careful preparation and consistent learning, saying success begins long before planting.
He uses specialised giant pumpkin varieties and carefully manages his crops, including hand pollination and daily monitoring to ensure optimal growth.
“It all starts with getting your soil into top condition and making sure there is the right balance. You also need a good, proven seed, that can take you far, but a lot still depends on the luck of the weather, he said.
Lotz emphasised that experience plays a key role in achieving results: “The more you practise, the better you get. You learn every season.”
He also acknowledged that challenges are part of the process.
“Mistakes can happen. The pumpkin grows in a pumpkin patch, netting can break the wind, but there are always risks, and you have to be prepared for that.”
One of the biggest threats to growing giant pumpkins, he said, is disease.
“Mildew is probably the biggest enemy. Protection is very important. I prefer to keep things organic, but sometimes chemicals are needed, especially come January when moisture and humidity are a problem.”
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Despite Lotz’s achievement, the world record still stands at 1 278kg, set by brothers Stuart and Ian Paton from Hampshire in England in 2025.
Lotz said competing at this level is deeply rewarding, but he still wants to break the world record. “It feels good to be competing and winning, but we still have to break that world record.”
He said reaching, and breaking, the current world record is only a matter of two more prime growing days.
Describing the rapid development of his pumpkin at its peak, he added: “In its prime, you can see about two days’ worth of growth happening very quickly. At one stage, it was gaining around 28kg/day. Now we must see how to get those added prime days for the next competition.”
Lotz also highlighted the importance of innovation. “You always have to bring a new approach and keep improving, especially with more eco-friendly methods.”
The competition has grown significantly since it first started in 2008, when the winning pumpkin weighed just 47kg.
Beyond the competition, the festival offered a variety of activities for visitors, including live entertainment, a 4×4 day and a golf day.
Organisers also emphasised the festival’s community impact, with proceeds supporting local initiatives such as schools, feeding schemes, and providing access to the event for those who may not otherwise be able to attend.
The top pumpkins are also used to harvest seeds for future competitions, while the pulp is donated to feeding schemes.
Organisers congratulated all entrants, saying that every grower plays a vital role in the success of the festival.
“All the participants and their pumpkins are winners in our eyes. The festival would not be the same without them.”
