Pumpkin from 'most expensive' seed to be harvested

Gardener Matthew Oliver with his giant pumpkin

A gardener is poised to learn whether a pumpkin grown from possibly the world's most expensive pumpkin seed is itself a record-breaker.

The seed came from a pumpkin which weighed more than one tonne - believed to be a world record.

It was bought by Ipswich-based seed company Thompson & Morgan earlier this year for £1,250 at auction.

The seed has been nurtured by Matthew Oliver at the Hyde Hall near South Woodham Ferrers, Essex.

Thompson and Morgan director Paul Hansord said the seed would "boost the genetics of UK plants"

The record-breaking 2,323lb (1,054kg) pumpkin was grown in Switzerland in 2014 by Beni Meier and it holds the world record for weight, according to the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth organisation.

Mr Oliver said that pumpkin's girth was about 4.5m (15ft).

He said he had been planning to grow pumpkins at the Royal Horticultural Society's Hyde Hall this year.

When he was approached by Thompson & Morgan with its valuable seed, Mr Oliver said: "I was a bit nervous, the pressure was suddenly on."

The seed was planted in mid April. It took six days to germinate and "come up", said Mr Oliver.

Swiss grower Beni Meier with his record-breaking pumpkin in 2014

The £1,250 pumpkin seed next to "normal" seeds you would get in a packet

"I was getting worried. Six days is a long time.

"It had to be re-potted a couple of times because they are such vigorous growers."

On 9 May it was potted outside.

Mr Oliver said the current world record was safe - but he does hope his labour has created the largest pumpkin grown outdoors in the UK.

A sling and forklift will be used to lift the pumpkin from the ground before a weigh-in at the Great Pumpkin Commonwealth's annual event at Royal Victoria Park in Southampton on Saturday.