Giant Pumpkin Competition

Malanda Show 2020 Greatest Pumpkin Growing Competition & Scarecrow Competition

In 2019 we re-introduced the Giant Pumpkin Growing Competition and what a success it was despite the wet start to the year.

Competition Seeds are available free at the Show Office and Beattie Produce. Although all efforts are made to ensure viability, the organizers take no responsibility for germination.

 

Nomination Information
Download Schedule Now! 2020 GIANT PUMPKIN COMPETITION

Entries close  Wednesday the 1st of July at 6pm. Exhibits will be delivered and collected at growers’ own expense, collection after 3 pm on the Sunday 5th July.

Entry fee of $5.00 per pumpkin

  • Entries must have been grown by the Grower or Team

Rules

  • Your entry cannot be weighed at any other location, all specimens will be weighed without tarps or lifting/carrying devises. Official weigh in will take place at Malanda Showgrounds.
  • No foreign material eg. Fungicides, skin additives, etc will be permitted in the weighing of the pumpkin, vines must be trimmed to within 25cm of the stem.
  • Judges have the right to inspect all pumpkins before the weighs and measurements become official. Refusal of inspection will make entry an exhibit only.
  • Pumpkin must be sound, healthy and undamaged. Entries must be free of rot, holes, cracks or chemical residue, through the cavity and no soft spots.
  • “Grower” is defined as a person who has grown and cared for the pumpkin- planting to harvest.
  • “Team” is defined as two or more Growers that exhibit together.
  • In the event of a tie, the money will be distributed evenly between the tied parties
  • Judge’s decision is final

 

Growing Tips

  1. Pumpkins take around four months or more to grow
  2. Prepare growing bed by digging in well-rotted manure and compost to a metre depth. The area needs a good sunny position, well drained and protected from winds and is well watered.
  3. When flowers have set, ensure pollination by picking a male flower and hand pollinating the female flower (the female flower has swelling at the base of the stalk).
  4. When a fruit is set (the size of a melon or soccer ball), place a bed of straw, newspaper or foam underneath the chosen fruit to ensure it does not dis-colour.
  5. Pumpkin will need watering, protection from wind and feeding.
  6. Keep fingers crossed until pumpkin begins to swell, keep feeding and watering.

Good Luck. Children and Adults of all ages welcome to join the fun!

Section 22

Heaviest Pumpkin, Best Dressed Pumpkin

1St  – $50, 2nd – $25, 3rd – $10

Competition proudly sponsored by