There is a science to growing huge pumpkins, and it starts with the seeds. But for many local farmers, growing huge pumpkins and breaking records isn’t their slice of pie.
Lorie Jensen, president of Lone Pine Farms, said they grow pumpkins weighing up to 300 pounds. The majority of pumpkins range in size from 20 to 40 pounds, however.
When Jensen picks her seeds, she doesn’t always order the biggest varieties because many of her customers aren’t looking for huge pumpkins. Jensen chooses her seeds — which will one day become pies or jack-o’-lanterns — from a catalogue, much the same way one would choose a new sweater. Except Jensen has millions of seeds from which to choose.
Jensen said she always looks for pumpkins with a maturity date of at least Oct. 5 to ensure pumpkin hunters go home happy with their winter squash. The farm fertilizes and waters often to increase growth. Once the pumpkins bloom, the farm does not use any pesticides because there are often children around. In all, the farm grows 30 acres of pumpkins.
“We have to grow enough to overcome the rot from not being able to spray,” Jensen said.
Shannon Poynter, of Hey Bayles! Farm, said they do not grow any large pumpkins. They grow organically and dedicate less than an acre to pumpkins. Poynter said they prefer to stick with the smaller varieties that are edible.
Pam Henderson, owner of Thistledown Farm, said her pumpkins range in weight and go up to 100 pounds. Henderson said they grow an assortment of pumpkins on their 20 acres, including varieties for cooking.
Henderson said she doesn’t grow huge pumpkins because they are too hard to handle. Sometimes, she said, customers don’t understand that fitting their selections into a Volkswagen isn’t possible.
Or if not possible, about as likely as, well, seeing the Great Pumpkin on Halloween.