What is Giant Pumpkins NZ?

Updated

Giant Pumpkins NZ (giantpumpkins.co.nz) is a New Zealand-based informational website dedicated to helping people grow giant pumpkins. According to the site, its stated aim is "to get people excited about growing giant pumpkins and help them in their giant pumpkin growing journey." It is aimed at growers of all ages and explicitly notes that "no matter your location or available space you can grow a giant," making it relevant whether you have a full patch or a small growing area.

What the site offers

The homepage organizes its content into four main sections:

  • How To — a growing guide that covers "all stages of the giant pumpkin season," from starting out through to harvest.
  • Blog — a season-long grower's log with "updates, reviews and more" following the author's own giant pumpkin growing season.
  • Free Downloads — downloadable resources intended to support the growing season. The site labels these as free; no pricing or login requirements are stated for them.
  • Estimation — a weight estimation calculator for working out how heavy your pumpkin is before harvest.

Record and event information

Beyond growing advice, the site tracks New Zealand's giant pumpkin record. It lists the current NZ record as 844.5 kg, set by Tim Harris on 28 March 2021, and provides a link to view past NZ records. It also references giant pumpkin world records.

For community organizers, there is a separate section on running your own pumpkin event, covering timing, categories, attractions and activity ideas, prizes, volunteers, moving pumpkins, registration, and photos.

Who it's for

This site suits:

  • New growers looking for a stage-by-stage guide to the season.
  • Growers who want to estimate a pumpkin's weight before an official weigh-in.
  • Anyone curious about New Zealand giant pumpkin records.
  • Community groups or clubs considering running a pumpkin-growing event.

If you want to start growing a giant pumpkin, the How To section and free downloads are the natural starting points; if you already have a pumpkin in the ground, the estimation calculator and blog are the more immediately useful parts.