Austrian Foreman Sets Records with Giant Pumpkins, Inspired by Community
Friedrich Melka, a 56-year-old foreman from Lower Austria, has made a name for himself as a giant vegetable enthusiast. Based in Vienna, Melka has won multiple national championships and set records with his colossal pumpkins, which often attract attention on the roads when he transports them.
Melka's gardening season spans from April to October, with summer being the crucial growth phase. During this time, his pumpkins can gain up to 25 kilograms a day. His biggest success so far is an approximately 807-kilogram pumpkin. In 2022, at the Langenlois weigh-in, Melka won gold in the green squash pumpkin category with a 267-kilogram pumpkin and set a new Austrian record with a 3.5-meter-long bottle gourd.
Melka's motivation to grow larger pumpkins comes from seeing others' successful harvests. He was inspired by Wolfgang Nittnaus' record-breaking 990-kilogram pumpkin. Despite the competitive nature of giant vegetable growing, Melka considers it a community, with fellow competitors being like one big family.
Friedrich Melka's passion for growing giant vegetables has led to multiple national championships and records. His colossal pumpkins, weighing up to 807 kilograms, have even gained attention from fellow motorists. Melka's success comes from his dedication during the summer growth phase and the inspiration he draws from other growers in this close-knit community.
