LAYTON -- Happiness is spending hundreds of dollars to win a $5 ribbon. That's what Dr. Mohamed Sadiq decided after three years of growing pumpkins for a statewide contest.
Last year, at the annual Utah Giant Pumpkin Growers contest at Thanksgiving Point, Sadiq placed sixth with his 593-pound pumpkin.
This year, he hopes his 900-pounder will continue to grow, possibly reaching 1,000 or more pounds, in time for Saturday's event.
"I have always enjoyed gardening, and seeing these giants grow 30 to 50 pounds a day got me immediately hooked to the hobby," said the Tanner Clinic neurologist. "I grow them in my backyard. I have two daughters, ages 8 and 3. They are my helpers."
Growing giant pumpkins presents challenges every step of the way, Sadiq said.
The season usually begins in late winter when growers start scouting for seeds. Genetics for particular seeds are available dating back several generations for review. The growers look for the weight, color and whether the mother pumpkin went heavy or light in comparison to its estimated weight.
"The seeds are usually available through auctions conducted by local state associations. The champion seed from last year sold for $1,625," Sadiq said.
Once the seed is chosen, it is germinated indoors in small peat pots in early spring, then set out in the garden and protected from the cold.
The plants require constant caring, more so in the early stages, where protection from cold temperatures is paramount.
"Late June to early July is a very exciting time for giant-pumpkin growers, as it is a pollination time. There is romance in the patch," Sadiq said. "The flowers are protected from bees or other insects that may potentially pollinate, to control the genetics. The chosen female flower is usually hand-pollinated early in the morning and then covered to prevent further contamination."
Once the fruit is set, any other fruit is picked off so all of the plant's energy is directed toward the chosen fruit.
Then the fun begins.
These monsters start putting on 20 to 45 pounds a day.
"Frequently, the pumpkin grows so fast it literally blows a hole, ending your season rather abruptly," Sadiq said.
"Growers are out early in the morning armed with a measuring tape. Different measurements of the pumpkin are taken, and the weight is estimated by referencing available standardized tables.
"It's not about growing the prettiest one or the biggest one; it's about growing the heaviest pumpkin. As a saying goes in the pumpkin-growing community, 'It ain't no beauty contest.' "
He said disaster can strike at any stage of the growing season, and fertilizing is an art and science in and of itself.
Once you've overcome the hurdles, he said, it's time to harvest and lift the pumpkin to be taken to the weigh-off, a procedure that requires serious hoisting power.
As much as Sadiq would like to take the title this year, there isn't really much in the realm of animosity or hard feelings in the world of competitive pumpkin growing, he said.
"Competitors will help their peers out at the drop of a hat," he said. "The current Utah state record stands at 1,169 pounds, which I am sure will be broken this year.
"We are expecting several pumpkins to break the 1,000-pound mark this year. The current Utah state record is 84 inches, held by me. I am sure this will be broken as well this year."
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