Entries open on Saturday for the Royal Queensland Show's Giant Pumpkin Competition.
The competition tests the growing skills of farmers, students and gardeners to see who can harvest the heaviest giant pumpkin.
More than $2600 in prize money is up for grabs, with entries weighing more than 80kg eligible for the coveted Champion Heaviest Pumpkin of Show award of $800.
Winning schools will also cash in, with $950 up for grabs - $450 for the win, $300 for second place and $200 for third.
The competition is curriculum-aligned for Years 1, 9 and 10, planting the seed of knowledge about the importance of agriculture and the critical role it plays in our everyday lives.
The competition record is held by giant pumpkin veteran Geoff Frohloff, with his 2015 entry crushing the competition, and weighing in at 261.5kg.
Judging will take place in the Royal International Convention Centre at the Brisbane Showgrounds on Saturday April 24, with the competition held outside of the August Ekka dates to take advantage of the premium pumpkin growing season.
It's best to plant the seeds in early December 2020 to give the pumpkins time to pack on the pounds, as the fruit takes about four and a half months to mature.
Growers can ask for free giant Atlantic pumpkin seeds and an information pack by emailing education@royalqueenslandshow.com.au. Entries close Wednesday, April 21.
