Rhode Islander grows world's largest squash, see it here
Digital Reporter
Friday, October 13, 2017, 3:09 PM - Not only did Joe Jutras of Rhode Island break previous records for the world's heaviest pumpkin and the longest gourd, but now the grower can add the world's heaviest squash to his list.
At a whopping 960 kilograms, Jutras's squash was crowned the heaviest last Saturday at Frerichs Farm in Warren, R.I., according to CBC.
"I had pretty high hopes," he told the news agency. "[But] you never know until it's on the scale."
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Jutras planted the seeds in April and at one point, the fruit was growing by at least 18 kilograms a day, CBC reports.
At 3.21 metres, the grower broke the record for the world's longest gourd in 2006. A year later he smashed the record for largest pumpkin at a staggering 766 kilograms.
He is the only grower to achieve world records in all three categories.
According to CBC, Jutras has been growing enormous fruits for the past 10 years.
"My wife thinks I'm crazy sometimes," he told the news agency. "I'm looking at her right now and laughing."
The Rhode Islander said he owes this year's giant squash win to a seed from last year's winner, as well as a new soil cultivation technique.
While it's a competitive gig, most of the participants are friends, according to Jutras. When it comes to "lifting day," every one pitches in to help. It requires a pulley system, a harness and a trailer to haul the gigantic fruits.
"It's a gentleman thing," he told CBC.
The squash has been transported to the New York Botanical Garden where it will remain on display through the end of October.
SOURCE: CBC
