Overview
- Growers reported in mid‑September 2026 that many pumpkins are substantially smaller this season, with farmer estimates of up to about 40% reduction in size and tougher skins.
- Prolonged periods above roughly 30°C during the May–September growing window and an official drought covering much of England and Wales are cited by farmers as the cause of early growth cessation.
- Landowners have moved to harvest earlier and into October because fruit stopped enlarging, and advisers are recommending drawing or painting pumpkins instead of traditional carving.
- The same heat and dryness have hit other crops: potatoes have yielded smaller tubers prompting firms such as McCain to use prior stocks, and apples and pears are smaller and sweeter, which could change cider strength.
- Farmers and trade groups say the season highlights growing year‑to‑year volatility for UK horticulture and points to wider supply‑chain effects for retailers, processors and households buying seasonal produce.