Pumpkin farmers across the UK are reporting that their crops have ripened significantly earlier than usual this year, following the nation's hottest summer on record. Many fields of pumpkins are already ripe, nearly two months ahead of Halloween.
Richard Jones from Llynclys Hall Farm in Shropshire expressed concern, stating, "They have matured very early, which is not a good thing because we cannot bring Halloween forward." He added that he does not know if the pumpkins will rot while waiting to be sold.
The summer of 2026 was the UK's hottest since records began in 1884, with more than two-thirds of England experiencing drought conditions. July was also the driest since 1836. While pumpkins generally like sunshine, the lack of rain in July and August has caused issues for some plants.
However, some farms have noted unexpected benefits from the weather. Mr. Jones reported no disease in his pumpkins this year due to the absence of damp and humid conditions, along with fewer weed problems. Fiona Beards of Pumpkins R Us in Warwickshire believes their ripe pumpkins will keep for months, noting the plant's ability to adapt to heat.
Ed Godsall from Pumpkin Pete's in Herefordshire is happy with his crop, though he noted a lack of size due to insufficient water and some early fruit loss from heat stress. He believes anyone looking for a pumpkin should be able to find one, despite some growers anticipating a slight shortage.