Pumpkin growers across the UK have reported a challenging season, with the summer's extreme heat and drought conditions leading to smaller pumpkins and earlier ripening. Summer 2026 was the hottest on record for the UK, experiencing five widespread heatwaves and 40 days where temperatures exceeded 30C.
Eleanor Gilbert, who shares her experiences from Rookery Farm on the Hampshire-Berkshire border, stated her pumpkin yields were "50 or 60% down" on previous years. She noted that pumpkins, which are 90% water, had not grown to their usual size due to the lack of water. Potential issues with pollination and an increase in weeds were also observed.
The National Farmers Union described the season as "exceptionally challenging" for pumpkin growers. Martin Emmett, Horticulture and Potatoes Board chairman, highlighted the significant pressures from establishing crops to maintaining quality and yields. He confirmed that there would still be "plenty" of British pumpkins available for carving.
Some farms, including Rookery Farm, are staging pumpkin-picking events and other Halloween-themed attractions to generate additional income. Greg Klaes, a grower near the Oxford Canal, managed to grow 10 tonnes of pumpkins, half of what he anticipated, attributing his success to organic and regenerative farming methods.