From decorating your spooky home to enjoying a pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving, this versatile vegetable is much beloved by many and is a sure sign Fall has arrived.
The size of a pumpkin can vary considerably – just like its range of uses! This may lead you to wonder, what is the average pumpkin weight?
Well, this largely depends on the variety of pumpkins. For instance, most pumpkins weigh between 1kg (2.2 lbs) and 7 kg (15.4 lbs).
That said, each variety of pumpkin has its own specific weight and size range. Plus, it can be affected by the specific reasons of why the pumpkin is being grown in the first place, too.
With this in mind, this article will explore the average weight of a range of pumpkin varieties., including the factors that can affect their size spectrum and weight.
If you’re looking for the perfect pumpkin for your pumpkin pie recipe or looking for something impressive to put on your front doorstep, then you’ve come to the right place.
Just keep in mind that the pumpkin will weigh less once all the seeds and skin has been removed.
What Is A Pumpkin?
A pumpkin is a type of winter squash that comes from the same family as melons and cucumbers.
Since it contains seeds, it could technically be considered a fruit. That said, when looking at its nutritional value, it shares more similarities to a vegetable.
Pumpkins can usually be found in a round shape and orange color. However, the shape, color, and size can vary considerably.
Typically, most varieties will have a thick outer rind that is ribbed and smooth, as well as a long step that connects the pumpkin to its plant.
The inside of a pumpkin is hollow, except for having ivory-colored seeds covered in a stringy type of flesh.
Pumpkins are native to North America and are celebrated on two major holidays. For Halloween, they are carved into jack-o’-lanterns and cooked into pies for Thanksgiving.
Besides the Americas, they can also be found on every continent in the world except Antarctica.
Most components of the pumpkin are edible, including the leaves, flesh, and seeds.
Factors Influencing The Weight Of A Pumpkin
For many gardens, farmers, or pumpkin enthusiasts, the weight of the fruit you’re growing is important. When it comes to growing the optimal pumpkin weight, this can be influenced by many factors.
This includes the variety and type of pumpkin you’re looking to grow, harvest timing, cultivation techniques, and growing conditions.
Below, we will explore the average weight of a pumpkin depending on its size.
Pumpkin Weight By Size
Looking for the best pumpkin to impress all your guests and neighbors this Halloween? Then you’ll want to know the size and weight of each pumpkin to help determine this.
In addition, when weighing a pumpkin, you’ll want to consider different factors including its type and size.
This is important because pumpkins will weigh differently depending on their type. For instance, a giant pumpkin will weigh more than a large pumpkin.
Likewise, the mini pumpkin varieties usually weigh less than the small pumpkin varieties. Jack-o’-lanterns typically weigh around five to seven pounds (two to three kilograms).
Giant Pumpkin Weight
When it comes to competition, the Giant Pumpkin variety is the most popular type of pumpkin to grow. These impressive pumpkins can grow anywhere between 500 to 1000 pounds!
Generally, this variety will weigh between 40 and 50 pounds (18 to 23 kilograms). This makes them the largest variety of pumpkins you can grow.
In fact, the current record holder for the heaviest pumpkin was a giant pumpkin. This was grown by Stefano Cutrupi who set the record in October 2021 with a 2,703-pound pumpkin!
Large Pumpkin Weight
Large pumpkin varieties can grow anywhere between 20 and 30 pounds (nine to 14 kilograms). These are larger than your average type of pumpkin but tend to be smaller than giant pumpkins.
The second-largest pumpkin record was broken by Mathias Willemijns from Deurle Belgium. In 2016, he grew a monster of a pumpkin at 2624.6 pounds (1190.5 kg).
Ian & Stuart Paton from Lymington in Hampshire’s New Forest National Park took third place in 2020 with their beast of a pumpkin at 2593.7 lbs (1176.5kg).
Medium Pumpkin Weight
When most people think of a pumpkin, their mind instantly wanders to a medium-sized pumpkin – these are the most common type used for making jack-o’-lanterns.
These varieties of pumpkin can also be used for cooking and generally weigh between 15 and pounds.
Some medium-sized pumpkin examples include Musquee De Provence, Secretariat, Casper, and Connecticut Field.
Unlike other varieties, these pumpkins take slightly longer to mature and grow.
Therefore, you’ll want to make sure you plant them with plenty of time if you want them ready for Halloween.
For instance, pumpkins generally take an average of 120 days to reach maturity.
Small Pumpkin Weight
Small varieties of pumpkin typically weigh between five and seven pounds and take around 110 days to reach maturity.
Some popular varieties of pumpkin include early abundance, cannonball, and small sugar. They are also great for anyone looking to make a small jack-o’-lantern.
Mini Pumpkin Weight
Pumpkins are a type of vegetable known to take up tons of space – spreading far and wide –, this can sometimes put gardens off from growing these orange spheres.
Therefore, if you have a smaller plot of land, then you might want to consider growing this mini variety of pumpkins. Not only do they take up less space but they grow smaller pumpkins, too.
These pumpkins generally weigh less than a pound when ready for harvest. Some varieties include Baby Boo, Apprentice, Baby Pam, and Jack be little.
These pumpkins only take three months to reach maturity and can be used in a variety of dishes and can even be transformed into small lanterns.
How To Grow Big Pumpkins
While it is unlikely you’ll be breaking any records with a typical carving pumpkin, there are certain tips and tricks you can follow to make sure your pumpkin reaches its full potential.
As previously mentioned, there are tons of different factors that can influence the size of your pumpkin. Below, we will explore these in further detail.
Spacing
When it comes to large pumpkins, a large pumpkin vine is required to support its size and weight. Therefore, they need ample space to grow.
For instance, each pumpkin you grow will need around 50-100 square feet to ensure they have maximum growing potential.
When starting out your pumpkin growing journey, start by planting the seeds in mounds of soil that are between five to six feet apart. The rows should be 10-15 feet apart, too.
Remember, pumpkin vines can grow very quickly, therefore, you’ll want to ensure adequate space for them to achieve this.
This will also ensure that the pumpkins themselves have enough space to grow and expand in size throughout the seasons.
Vine Pruning
As the vine of the main pumpkin begins to grow, it will start to grow secondary vines that shoot off the main vine.
These secondary vines will eventually develop tertiary vines, and, before you know it, pumpkin vines will start to sprout and soon take over your entire garden.
This is why pruning your pumpkin vines is so important. Essentially, this helps to prevent overcrowding in your garden and keeps the plant’s energy focused on growing the pumpkin instead of the vine and leaf development.
As soon as your pumpkin vine has produced several pumpkins, you can begin pruning the plant. Before you do so, allow the main vine to grow a minimum of 10 feet in length.
That said, if the space is limited, you can start pruning when required.
Likewise, tertiary vines can be pruned, too, if you’re short on space.
Once several pumpkin plants have been pollinated, you can remove all the remaining flower buds and flowers from the vines.
This helps to direct more of the plant’s energy into producing pumpkins rather than growing unnecessary flowers.
You should keep in mind that the more pumpkins you find growing on your plant, the smaller each pumpkin is likely to be.
Therefore, if you’re looking to grow the largest pumpkin possible, then you can remove all the other pumpkins on the plant and leave the most promising of the bunch.
For regular-sized carving pumpkins, then it is recommended to keep 4 pumpkins per plant.
Burying Pumpkin Vines
Besides pruning your pumpkin vines, you can also bury your pumpkin vines to produce larger pumpkins.
When it comes to burying your pumpkin vines, this not only helps to keep your pumpkin in place but allows them to absorb more nutrients which helps them grow even larger.
To bury your pumpkin vines, all you have to do is locate an area where the root is beginning to form. For instance, where a leaf of a secondary vine is shooting off the main vine.
Once you have found a developing root, simply bury it in a mound of dirt. Water this area like you would water the plant and the roots are sure to grow inwards to the soil.
Pumpkin Fertilizer
If you’re looking to grow the biggest pumpkin, then fertilizer is essential. Pumpkins love soil that contains tons of organic matter, therefore, make sure to work with compost and well-rotted manure before planting your pumpkins.
As your pumpkin plant begins to grow, add a nitrogen-rich fertilizer, such as a blood meal, to the plant on a weekly basis.
Here, Nitrogen helps vine development which is important early on in the season.
As the flowers start to form, you can switch to a fertilizer that is rich in phosphorus, this includes bone meal – aiding in enhanced flower formation and root development.
The better flowers, the better pumpkins you will achieve. You can purchase both bone meal and blood meal on Amazon.
After your pumpkin has successfully set and begins to grow, you can then switch to a fertilizer that is rich in potassium.
This encourages the fruit to grow while protecting the crop from droughts and disease at the same time. A good example of this is Potassium Sulfate.
Tips For Choosing The Best Pumpkin
When it comes to choosing the best pumpkin for your requirements, there are a few different factors you can consider to help make this decision.
Below, we have outlined some tips for picking the very best pumpkin in the patch.
1. Factors To Keep In Mind
When purchasing a pumpkin, you’ll want to choose one that is free from bruises, blemishes, and soft spots. Here, check the step to make sure it is firm and securely attached to the pumpkin.
Plus, make sure the pumpkin is the right shape and size for your requirements. To prevent waste, only use what you need.
2. Choosing The Test Pumpkin For Your Requirements
Before you start shopping around for the best pumpkin, you’ll want to consider your requirements for your pumpkin. For instance, if you’re looking to carve a jack-o’-lantern, you’ll want a round, large pumpkin with a smooth surface.
Here, a good option will be a Big Max. On the other hand, if you’re using the pumpkin for cooking, then you’ll want one with sweet and flavorful flesh, such as a Sugar Pie.
3. How To Determine If Your Pumpkin Is Ripe
Your pumpkin should feature tough and hard skin that is able to resist dents and punctures. Likewise, the stem should be firm and dry.
To test your pumpkin’s ripeness, all you have to do is press your thumbnail into the side and if you’re met with resistance, then it is ripe.
Tips For Growing The Biggest Pumpkin
Are you looking to grow an impressive pumpkin for a competition or for simply your own enjoyment, then there are a few different ways you can achieve this.
Below, we have outlined some tips to help you grow the biggest and best pumpkins possible.
1. Prepare The Soil And Ensure There Is Adequate Drainage
To grow the best pumpkins, you’ll need rich, well-drained soil that is high in organic matter. Before planting your pumpkins, make sure to amend the soil with compost or something similar.
Make sure the soil isn’t heavily compacted and contains materials including sand, gravel, or perlite to help with drainage and aeration.
2. Choose The Right Pumpkin Variety
When it comes to growing a giant pumpkin, you should consider choosing a variety bred for size, this includes Big Max or Atlantic Giant.
That said, just keep in mind that different pumpkins are grown for different reasons. If you’re looking for edible pumpkins, then opt for a variety for this purpose – this goes the same for ornamental pumpkins, too.
3. Provide Adequate Nutrients And Water
To grow and produce a good yield, your pumpkin will require a lot of water. For instance, they require around 1 inch (2.5 cm) of water a week, this is either from irrigation or rainfall.
When exposed to dry and hot weather, your pumpkins will require a little extra. Watering constantly and deeply will encourage healthy root growth and will prevent the fruit from cracking.
4. Monitoring The Growth Of Your Pumpkin And Using Cradles And Nets For Support
As your pumpkin begins to grow, you’ll want to provide it with some support to prevent it from breaking off the vine. Here, you can also use cradles and netting to protect your pumpkin from damage.
5. Controlling Diseases And Pests
Unfortunately, pumpkins are prone to a variety of diseases and pests, including squash bugs, mildew, and vine borers.
Here, it is important to keep an eye out for damage and take action immediately to prevent further damage.
For instance, you can use neem oil or insecticidal soap to remove infected parts of the plant, control pests, and prevent diseases from spreading.
Besides this, as your pumpkin grows, you should keep a close eye on it. Here, you’ll want to monitor its growth while taking into account any actions that need to be taken as soon as possible.
These tips should help you produce a healthy pumpkin that is sure to be the envy of all your neighbors.
Pumpkin Benefits
Pumpkins contain a wide range of amazing benefits, including being one of the best sources of beta-carotene. This is an incredible antioxidant that gives orange vegetables their bright color.
The body converts beta-carotene into vitamin A when ingested. Eating foods that are high in beta-carotene has the following benefits:
- Offering protection from heart disease and asthma
- Reducing the risk of cancer
- Decreasing macular degeneration
Likewise, various studies have outlined that eating more plant food, including pumpkin, can decrease the risk of developing obesity, as well as overall mortality.
Plus, it can help avoid heart disease and diabetes while promoting healthy hair and complexion, promoting a healthy body mass index (BMI), and increasing energy.
Research has outlined the following benefits of eating pumpkin:
- Reducing risks of cancer
- Controlling blood pressure
- Preventing and controlling diabetes
- Reduces risks of age-related eye problems
Nutrition
According to the United States Department of Agriculture’s FoodData Central database, one cup (245 grams) of boiled, drained, or cooked pumpkin, without additional salt, contains:
- 2.7 g of fiber
- 1.76 g of protein
- 0.17 g of fat
- 49 calories (kcal)
- 12 g of carbohydrate
- 0.17 g of fat
In addition to this, it also provides you with a range of essential vitamins and minerals, too, including:
- Vitamin C
- Vitamin A
- Vitamin E
- Potassium
- Riboflavin
- Manganese
- Copper
- Vitamin B-6
- Thiamin
- Pantothenic acid
- Folate
- Iron
- Niacin
- Phosphorus
- Magnesium
In addition to this, pumpkins are a great source of fiber, too. For adults, the recommended fiber intake is between 25 g and 38 g per day.
Fiber helps to slow the rate of sugar absorption in the blood, promoting smooth digestion and regular bowel movements.
Plus, a healthy amount of fiber intake can reduce the risk of colon cancer, too.
Cooked, fresh pumpkin contains nearly 3 g of fiber, and canned pumpkin contains 7 g of fiber. Therefore, adding pumpkin to your diet can help your overall fiber intake.
Substitutes For Pumpkins
There are many vegetables you can use as a substitute for pumpkins, including squash, sweet potatoes, and carrots.
You can use these substitutes for soups, pies, and a range of other dishes. Sweet potatoes make another great addition since they are similar in texture and taste.
Likewise, squash is another vegetable that has a similar texture and taste to pumpkin. Moreover, you could even opt for carrots, too.
Final Thoughts
When it comes to pumpkins, these grow in a wide range of shapes and sizes. The largest variety of pumpkins is giant pumpkins while the smallest are mini pumpkins.
Depending on your requirements, this will help you determine the right size pumpkin for you. Typically, medium-sized pumpkins are the most popular choice for carving jack-o’-lanterns.