Six records were broken at the event by exhibitors, whose mighty vegetables enjoyed ideal growing conditions this summer.
The weigh-in and measurement of the heaviest and longest produce is always a highlight of the fair at the Royal Jersey Showground, and this year was no exception.
The largest of these monster vegetables was a gargantuan pumpkin weighing 979 lbs grown by Richard Le Sueur. It weighed well in excess of the previous record of 551 lbs, set by Paul and Jake Perchard in 2011.
A back-up pumpkin from the Le Sueur family’s patch also beat the 2011 record, coming in at 600 lbs. This was entered by Mr Le Sueur’s grandsons Corey and Joseph Delaney.
Although delighted with the result, Mr Le Sueur said he had hoped it would tip the scales at over the 1,000 lbs mark. He said he might give the competition another go next year.
He revealed that his first competitive pumpkin-growing attempt some years ago grew to just 65 lbs, which his mother had described as pathetic. This, he said, had spurred him on to grow a really big one.
The long, hot summer provided ideal conditions for his record pumpkin, which at its growing peak was adding around 28 lbs a day. This also meant that he had to keep the soil around it moist, which required a significant amount of water.
Special American seed was used to grow the plant, and Mr Le Sueur said he would be happy to pass some seeds on to any other Islanders who might like to enter the competition next year.
What happens next to the pumpkin is undecided, but there is a possibility that it might go on public display.
Grower Steve Vibert broke four records at the show including for his marrow that weighed 106 lbs. This was well clear of last year’s record of 70 lbs 8 oz. Mr Vibert also set a new record for cabbage (33 lbs 12 ozs), beetroot (20 lbs 12 ozs) and tomato (5 lbs 8 ozs).
There was also a new record for the longest carrot, with a specimen of 50 ins grown by inmates at La Moye.
