Russia’s giant vegetable growing competition crowned a colossal pumpkin grown by Alexander Chusov, the event’s undisputed showstopper and the result, he says, of months of “scientific care and precision.” Chusov credited success to specialized seed stock, soil heating, and precision nutrition, noting that “giant pumpkins come from giant seeds” and that “every detail matters.”
The annual contest drew more than 3,000 participants from across the country, transforming an enthusiast pastime into a high-stakes pursuit. Organizer Daria Yermilova compared the preparation to elite athletics: “It’s like timing a swim. You can grow for fun, but this is a long-term sport—six months of constant focus.”
While the pumpkin took top billing, other outsized entries turned heads: a 144-kilogram watermelon and a 73-kilogram courgette (zucchini) impressed judges and spectators alike, underscoring the breadth of techniques now common in competitive giant-veg circles—from controlled microclimates and irrigation schedules to meticulous nutrient regimes.
The winning specimens will be publicly displayed at Moscow’s historic Apothecary Garden, giving visitors a close-up look at the agronomic feats behind these botanical behemoths. Beyond spectacle, organizers say the showcase promotes interest in horticultural science, seed genetics, and sustainable cultivation methods adaptable to conventional gardening.
For Chusov and fellow growers, the exhibition marks the culmination of a season defined by patience, measurement, and incremental gains—and the start of planning for next year’s even bigger harvests.
