Gladys the giant pumpkin: is this the biggest fruit in the world?
At one stage, on its way to becoming a smashing success, this plucky pumpkin was packing on 40lb a day
TL;DR
- Gladys is an Atlantic giant pumpkin weighing approximately 544kg (1,200lb) and measuring 4.3 metres (14ft) in circumference.
- She was grown by Ben White, an Essex heating engineer and amateur gardener, who calls himself a "Vegetable Tamer".
- Gladys gained up to 40lbs per day at her peak and was grown in a polytunnel with dedicated care.
- The current world record for the largest pumpkin is held by Stuart and Ian Paton, with a pumpkin weighing 1,278kg.
- White plans to exhibit Gladys at the Canna UK National Giant Vegetables Championship to raise money for the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.