In a display of agricultural achievement, a giant pumpkin weighing almost 400 kilograms was unveiled at the Aptekarsky Ogorod Botanical Garden in Moscow, as part of the “Giant Harvest of Russia” exhibition. This mammoth pumpkin, affectionately named “Busya,” was grown by 11-year-old Stepan Razin from Yaroslavl, showing how dedication and innovative farming techniques can result in astonishing outcomes, even from young growers.
Stepan’s journey with Busya began in March, when he planted a pumpkin seed in a small cup. Within a week, the seed sprouted, signaling the start of an impressive growth journey. However, as with many agricultural endeavors, the process was not without its setbacks. Due to poor weather conditions, Stepan was unable to transplant the seedling into the ground at the optimal time, causing the seedling to overgrow and the stem to crack.
Fortunately, Stepan had guidance from Alexander Chusov, a champion in growing giant crops. Chusov advised Stepan to trim the damaged stem, allowing the pumpkin to continue growing from a secondary stem. This technique proved successful, and by May, Busya was transferred to open soil, where it began a rapid growth spurt. At its peak, the pumpkin was gaining up to 15 kilograms per day. By late summer, despite a crack forming near the stem, Busya continued its growth, ultimately reaching an impressive weight of 389 kilograms.
This story is a testament to the complexities of growing giant crops, highlighting the importance of timely care, expert guidance, and adaptability. The unique challenges Stepan faced—such as weather delays, stem damage, and the management of a fast-growing plant—are familiar to many farmers and agronomists working with high-yield crops. Despite these difficulties, Stepan’s determination and the application of sound agricultural techniques enabled him to achieve this monumental harvest.
Giant Pumpkins in Agriculture
Growing giant pumpkins like Busya requires specific conditions, including careful attention to soil fertility, regular watering, and pest control. These pumpkins need high-nutrient soil, with plenty of organic matter to fuel their rapid growth. The use of secondary stems for continued growth, as demonstrated in Stepan’s case, is a well-known technique among growers of giant crops. Monitoring the plant’s health is crucial, as large pumpkins are prone to splitting, which can lead to rot or a complete loss of the crop.
While giant pumpkins are often grown for exhibitions and competitions, they also contribute to research in plant growth and yield optimization, helping scientists and agronomists understand how to maximize the potential of other crops. Insights from growing such large fruits can be applied to increasing the yields of food crops, especially in climates with short growing seasons.
The success of Stepan Razin and his pumpkin Busya is an inspiring example of how innovation and resilience in agriculture can yield extraordinary results. Giant pumpkins may be a niche crop, but the lessons learned from their cultivation are broadly applicable to improving agricultural productivity. As farmers and scientists alike strive for higher yields and better crop management, the experience of growing these record-breaking pumpkins offers valuable insights.
