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Pumpkin weighing 2,471 pounds wins California contest
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Published Oct 14, 2024 • 1 minute read
Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Travis Gienger, of Anoka, Minn., second from right, celebrates with his daughter Lily, 3, after his pumpkin weighed in at 2,471 pounds to win at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. Photo by Jeff Chiu /AP Photo
HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — A Minnesota horticulture teacher remained the reigning champion Monday of an annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California where his massive gourds have won the top prize four years in a row.
Travis Gienger, of Anoka, Minnesota, beat his closest competitor by 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) to clinch the victory at the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco.
His winning gourd came in at 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms), falling short of the world record he set last year with a pumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms).
Gienger, 44, said that as he has done in the past, he focused on having healthy soil and well-fed plants but that a cold fall with record-breaking rain likely impacted his pumpkin’s growth.
“We had really, really tough weather and somehow, some way, I kept on working,” Gienger said. “I had to work for this one, and we got it done at the end, but it wasn’t by much.”
Gienger and his family drove his gargantuan gourd for 35 hours to California.
He said the giant pumpkin’s next stop will be in Southern California, where a team of professional carvers will do a 3D carve on it at a Halloween event.
![APTOPIX-Great-Pumpkin-Winner-2024-10-14[1].jpg](https://forums.canadiancontent.net/data/attachments/23/23501-eecaa8ce81d2c869c339e464efde20d7.jpg "APTOPIX-Great-Pumpkin-Winner-2024-10-14[1].jpg")
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Published Oct 14, 2024 • 1 minute read
Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off
Travis Gienger, of Anoka, Minn., second from right, celebrates with his daughter Lily, 3, after his pumpkin weighed in at 2,471 pounds to win at the Safeway World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, Calif., Monday, Oct. 14, 2024. Photo by Jeff Chiu /AP Photo
HALF MOON BAY, Calif. — A Minnesota horticulture teacher remained the reigning champion Monday of an annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California where his massive gourds have won the top prize four years in a row.
Travis Gienger, of Anoka, Minnesota, beat his closest competitor by 6 pounds (2.7 kilograms) to clinch the victory at the 51st World Championship Pumpkin Weigh-Off in Half Moon Bay, south of San Francisco.
His winning gourd came in at 2,471 pounds (1,121 kilograms), falling short of the world record he set last year with a pumpkin weighing 2,749 pounds (1,247 kilograms).
Gienger, 44, said that as he has done in the past, he focused on having healthy soil and well-fed plants but that a cold fall with record-breaking rain likely impacted his pumpkin’s growth.
“We had really, really tough weather and somehow, some way, I kept on working,” Gienger said. “I had to work for this one, and we got it done at the end, but it wasn’t by much.”
Gienger and his family drove his gargantuan gourd for 35 hours to California.
He said the giant pumpkin’s next stop will be in Southern California, where a team of professional carvers will do a 3D carve on it at a Halloween event.
Pumpkin weighing 2,471 pounds wins California contest
A Minnesota horticulture teacher remained the reigning champion Monday of an annual pumpkin-weighing contest in Northern California
Well, this is turned into a bit of a weird redneck thread, and with me getting the aquarium, maintenance and laundry and such out-of-the-way yesterday being Saturday…today I was on to strange random things that just need to get done, like the washroom, etc…
The most random redneck-ish thing here isn’t even the shower curtain, it’s the toilet seat where the dog tags have worn it down. They have a big water bowl, but it’s not always cold & such like this automatic one in the washroom.
The most random redneck-ish thing here isn’t even the shower curtain, it’s the toilet seat where the dog tags have worn it down. They have a big water bowl, but it’s not always cold & such like this automatic one in the washroom.
My not so little girl hasn't had that treat yet, since both bathrooms are in (mostly) puppy no go zones. But she has discovered the cat's water fountain, which she enjoys. She also has her own pond, but somehow coming in to drink from the cat fountain is more fun.
Invasive Japanese beetles eating their way through eastern Canada and more
Author of the article:Trevor Wilhelm
Published Aug 08, 2025 • Last updated 1 day ago • 4 minute read
An invasive Japanese scarab beetle sits on a plant in Barb and Bob Morden's garden at their Tecumseh home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
An invasive Japanese scarab beetle sits on a plant in Barb and Bob Morden's garden at their Tecumseh home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
Parts of eastern Canada and much more are under siege from the invasive Japanese beetle, which appears to be spiking in population while tearing through thousands of plants and trees across the region.
Since early spring, Windsor-area master gardener Barb Morden has waged a daily battle against the Japanese scarab beetle in her Tecumseh garden.
“We go out two or three times a day and kill them,” Morden told the Star.
“They’re eating everything. They’re really, really bad.”
beetle
Master gardener Barb Morden applies a non-toxic spray to kill invasive Japanese scarab beetles at her Tecumseh home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
The pest isn’t new to Windsor, but it appears to be thriving here more than usual.
The larvae prefer turf grass and are a “major pest” in parks and golf courses, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The adult beetles attack the roots, foliage, and fruit of roughly 300 different kinds of plants. Its wide range of victims include elm, maple, rose, zinnia, corn, asparagus, grape, apple, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
They skeletonize foliage, devouring the leaf tissue and leaving behind only the veins.
beetle
Bob Morden shows some of the plant damage caused by invasive Japanese scarab beetles in his Tecumseh garden on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm
“You can tell by the holes in the plants,” said Morden. “They eat the leaves. They make holes in the leaves. They hit your vegetables as well as your fruit.”
The hungry bugs are officially known as Popillia japonica, and measure about 15 mm long by 10 mm wide. Males are usually smaller than females. They feature iridescent copper-coloured elytra (wing casings) and a green thorax and head. A row of white hairs project from under the wing covers.
The insect spends most if its life as a larva in soil, emerging in the spring when temperatures rise, and only 30 to 45 days as an adult.
The beetle is native to the main islands of Japan, where it is not considered a pest, thanks to natural predators there. In North America, however, it’s a different story.
English entomologist Edward Newman wrote about the Japanese beetle in 1841. The Canadian food inspection agency said the invasive insect was first detected on North American soil, at a New Jersey nursery, in 1916.
The first recorded Canadian appearance was in 1939. A Japanese beetle was discovered in a tourist’s car arriving in Yarmouth, N.S., from Maine. The same year, three more beetles were captured in Yarmouth and four more were found in southern Quebec.
The beetle is now considered “established” in Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and many U.S. states, according to the CFIA. The Japanese beetle has also been detected across Canada, including in 2017 in the Vancouver area.
beetle
An invasive Japanese scarab beetle works its way across a flower in Barb and Bob Morden’s garden at their Tecumseh home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
beetle
Master gardener Barb Morden applies a non-toxic spray to kill invasive Japanese scarab beetles at her Tecumseh home on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
“We have seen an increase in reports of Japanese beetle from regulated areas across Canada, however, it is important to note that Japanese beetle is considered ‘established’ in the province of Ontario,” the CFIA said.
Because the beetle is already established in Ontario, the CFIA said it does not conduct annual monitoring for the pest and does not have population data for Windsor or elsewhere.
But Morden said the numbers in Windsor area have obviously increased. She kills at least 15 to 20 a day.
“I would say they probably doubled in population,” said Morden, who attributes the proliferation to increasingly hot weather.
She said the beetles usually start appearing in early spring.
“Right now, I’d say they’re at their peak mating season,” she said.
“It’s better to kill them now, because what they do is they lay eggs in your grass, and then you have a problem with insects in your grass.”
Morden said one of the best ways to kill the pest is neem oil, which has been used as a natural pesticide for hundreds of years and is safe for people and pets. She adds some dish soap to it.
If you can’t find neem oil, Morden suggested mixing one teaspoon of dishwasher liquid, one cup of vegetable oil, one cup of rubbing alcohol and four cups of water in a spray bottle.
“You spray them,” she said. “These beetles have two holes at the top of their neck, and what you’re doing is they’re clogging their air holes.”
Bob and Barb Morden
Master gardener Barb Morden and her husband Bob survey a section of the sprawling garden behind their Tecumseh home on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm /Windsor Star
Bob and Barb Morden
Bugged by a beetle: Master gardener Barb Morden and her husband Bob discuss the damage caused by Japanese beetles in the garden behind their Tecumseh home on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm /Windsor Star
The CFIA said recommending ways to deal with an infestation is outside of its mandate.
But the agency does try to prevent the spread to pest-free areas by regulating the movement of items that can carry Japanese beetles, such as plants with soil or “soil-related matter.”
“The provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are considered infested with Japanese beetle and movement of regulated articles from these areas to other parts of Canada must meet certain requirements to prevent further spread,” the CFIA said.
The food inspection agency added that citizens can do their part to prevent the invasion into other parts of Canada.
“The CFIA is asking for everybody’s assistance in avoiding the movement of regulated articles out of the regulated areas without prior written permission from the CFIA,” the agency said.
“You can also assist the CFIA by reporting all illegal movement of regulated articles, and by reporting all sightings of Japanese beetle outside of a regulated area.”
twilhelm@postmedia.com
Plant damage
Plant damage caused by invasive Japanese scarab beetles is evident in Barb and Bob Morden’s Tecumseh garden on Friday, August 1, 2025. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm
![beetle5_298030416-1[1].jpg](https://forums.canadiancontent.net/data/attachments/28/28730-5c5ba38b2ef118106e4bbb9c1af2f853.jpg "beetle5_298030416-1[1].jpg")
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Trevor Wilhelm
Published Aug 08, 2025 • Last updated 1 day ago • 4 minute read
An invasive Japanese scarab beetle sits on a plant in Barb and Bob Morden's garden at their Tecumseh home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025.
An invasive Japanese scarab beetle sits on a plant in Barb and Bob Morden's garden at their Tecumseh home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
Parts of eastern Canada and much more are under siege from the invasive Japanese beetle, which appears to be spiking in population while tearing through thousands of plants and trees across the region.
Since early spring, Windsor-area master gardener Barb Morden has waged a daily battle against the Japanese scarab beetle in her Tecumseh garden.
“We go out two or three times a day and kill them,” Morden told the Star.
“They’re eating everything. They’re really, really bad.”
beetle
Master gardener Barb Morden applies a non-toxic spray to kill invasive Japanese scarab beetles at her Tecumseh home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
The pest isn’t new to Windsor, but it appears to be thriving here more than usual.
The larvae prefer turf grass and are a “major pest” in parks and golf courses, according to the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA).
The adult beetles attack the roots, foliage, and fruit of roughly 300 different kinds of plants. Its wide range of victims include elm, maple, rose, zinnia, corn, asparagus, grape, apple, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
They skeletonize foliage, devouring the leaf tissue and leaving behind only the veins.
beetle
Bob Morden shows some of the plant damage caused by invasive Japanese scarab beetles in his Tecumseh garden on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm
“You can tell by the holes in the plants,” said Morden. “They eat the leaves. They make holes in the leaves. They hit your vegetables as well as your fruit.”
The hungry bugs are officially known as Popillia japonica, and measure about 15 mm long by 10 mm wide. Males are usually smaller than females. They feature iridescent copper-coloured elytra (wing casings) and a green thorax and head. A row of white hairs project from under the wing covers.
The insect spends most if its life as a larva in soil, emerging in the spring when temperatures rise, and only 30 to 45 days as an adult.
The beetle is native to the main islands of Japan, where it is not considered a pest, thanks to natural predators there. In North America, however, it’s a different story.
English entomologist Edward Newman wrote about the Japanese beetle in 1841. The Canadian food inspection agency said the invasive insect was first detected on North American soil, at a New Jersey nursery, in 1916.
The first recorded Canadian appearance was in 1939. A Japanese beetle was discovered in a tourist’s car arriving in Yarmouth, N.S., from Maine. The same year, three more beetles were captured in Yarmouth and four more were found in southern Quebec.
The beetle is now considered “established” in Ontario, Quebec, Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, and many U.S. states, according to the CFIA. The Japanese beetle has also been detected across Canada, including in 2017 in the Vancouver area.
beetle
An invasive Japanese scarab beetle works its way across a flower in Barb and Bob Morden’s garden at their Tecumseh home on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
beetle
Master gardener Barb Morden applies a non-toxic spray to kill invasive Japanese scarab beetles at her Tecumseh home on Tuesday, August 5, 2025. Photo by Dan Janisse /Windsor Star
“We have seen an increase in reports of Japanese beetle from regulated areas across Canada, however, it is important to note that Japanese beetle is considered ‘established’ in the province of Ontario,” the CFIA said.
Because the beetle is already established in Ontario, the CFIA said it does not conduct annual monitoring for the pest and does not have population data for Windsor or elsewhere.
But Morden said the numbers in Windsor area have obviously increased. She kills at least 15 to 20 a day.
“I would say they probably doubled in population,” said Morden, who attributes the proliferation to increasingly hot weather.
She said the beetles usually start appearing in early spring.
“Right now, I’d say they’re at their peak mating season,” she said.
“It’s better to kill them now, because what they do is they lay eggs in your grass, and then you have a problem with insects in your grass.”
Morden said one of the best ways to kill the pest is neem oil, which has been used as a natural pesticide for hundreds of years and is safe for people and pets. She adds some dish soap to it.
If you can’t find neem oil, Morden suggested mixing one teaspoon of dishwasher liquid, one cup of vegetable oil, one cup of rubbing alcohol and four cups of water in a spray bottle.
“You spray them,” she said. “These beetles have two holes at the top of their neck, and what you’re doing is they’re clogging their air holes.”
Bob and Barb Morden
Master gardener Barb Morden and her husband Bob survey a section of the sprawling garden behind their Tecumseh home on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm /Windsor Star
Bob and Barb Morden
Bugged by a beetle: Master gardener Barb Morden and her husband Bob discuss the damage caused by Japanese beetles in the garden behind their Tecumseh home on Friday, Aug. 1, 2025. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm /Windsor Star
The CFIA said recommending ways to deal with an infestation is outside of its mandate.
But the agency does try to prevent the spread to pest-free areas by regulating the movement of items that can carry Japanese beetles, such as plants with soil or “soil-related matter.”
“The provinces of Ontario, Quebec, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island are considered infested with Japanese beetle and movement of regulated articles from these areas to other parts of Canada must meet certain requirements to prevent further spread,” the CFIA said.
The food inspection agency added that citizens can do their part to prevent the invasion into other parts of Canada.
“The CFIA is asking for everybody’s assistance in avoiding the movement of regulated articles out of the regulated areas without prior written permission from the CFIA,” the agency said.
“You can also assist the CFIA by reporting all illegal movement of regulated articles, and by reporting all sightings of Japanese beetle outside of a regulated area.”
twilhelm@postmedia.com
Plant damage
Plant damage caused by invasive Japanese scarab beetles is evident in Barb and Bob Morden’s Tecumseh garden on Friday, August 1, 2025. Photo by Trevor Wilhelm
Infested — Invasive Japanese beetles eating their way through eastern Canada and more
Since early spring, Master Gardener Barb Morden has waged a daily battle against the Japanese scarab beetle in her Tecumseh garden.
Neighbour’s ‘pet project’ is now more than a nuisance
Author of the article:Jeanne Phillips
Published Aug 30, 2025 • Last updated 22 hours ago • 2 minute read
A neighbour's love of wild animals may have gone too far.
A neighbour's love of wild animals may have gone too far.
DEAR ABBY: Recently, my neighbour, who has always been eccentric, has embarked on an unusual gardening project. Instead of traditional plants, he’s turned his backyard into a sprawling sanctuary for rescued wild animals. At first, it seemed harmless, but the situation has escalated. His yard now attracts wildlife, including raccoons, skunks and even the occasional coyote. While I appreciate his intent, I’m worried about safety — especially for my two small children and our dog, who are terrified when they encounter these creatures.
If that isn’t enough, my beloved pet cat has developed strange behaviours. She’s been staring intently at the wall, as if she senses something I can’t see. This may seem silly, but it unsettles me, especially since I’ve read articles about pets reacting to shifts in their environment. My mother says I’m overreacting to the neighbour’s project and should just let things be, which only deepens my anxiety.
Should I confront my neighbour about the animal situation, or let it go? Am I overreacting about my cat’s behaviour? I worry that others will think I’m losing my grip on reality. How can I find a balance between addressing these concerns and maintaining peace in my neighbourhood and family? — OVERWHELMED IN OHIO
DEAR OVERWHELMED: Your mother may think you are overreacting, but how do the other neighbours feel about this? Are they troubled as well? Is what this neighbour is doing legal in your community? In some communities, there are ordinances against feeding wild animals, let alone “collecting” them. Go online and start doing some research. If your increased level of anxiety persists, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional to help you deal with it.
Author of the article:Jeanne Phillips
Published Aug 30, 2025 • Last updated 22 hours ago • 2 minute read
A neighbour's love of wild animals may have gone too far.
A neighbour's love of wild animals may have gone too far.
DEAR ABBY: Recently, my neighbour, who has always been eccentric, has embarked on an unusual gardening project. Instead of traditional plants, he’s turned his backyard into a sprawling sanctuary for rescued wild animals. At first, it seemed harmless, but the situation has escalated. His yard now attracts wildlife, including raccoons, skunks and even the occasional coyote. While I appreciate his intent, I’m worried about safety — especially for my two small children and our dog, who are terrified when they encounter these creatures.
If that isn’t enough, my beloved pet cat has developed strange behaviours. She’s been staring intently at the wall, as if she senses something I can’t see. This may seem silly, but it unsettles me, especially since I’ve read articles about pets reacting to shifts in their environment. My mother says I’m overreacting to the neighbour’s project and should just let things be, which only deepens my anxiety.
Should I confront my neighbour about the animal situation, or let it go? Am I overreacting about my cat’s behaviour? I worry that others will think I’m losing my grip on reality. How can I find a balance between addressing these concerns and maintaining peace in my neighbourhood and family? — OVERWHELMED IN OHIO
DEAR OVERWHELMED: Your mother may think you are overreacting, but how do the other neighbours feel about this? Are they troubled as well? Is what this neighbour is doing legal in your community? In some communities, there are ordinances against feeding wild animals, let alone “collecting” them. Go online and start doing some research. If your increased level of anxiety persists, ask your doctor to refer you to a mental health professional to help you deal with it.
our neighbourhood has similar problems. they dont properly maintain their properties and they dump food on their properties, parking lots, malls, parks, etc. for the animals in the neighbourhood to eat.
We never had rat and rodent problems when dogs and cats roamed freely. Even with bears when In Coquitlam. The dog wasn't letting coons or black bears on the property and we had a bad bear problem.our neighbourhood has similar problems. they dont properly maintain their properties and they dump food on their properties, parking lots, malls, parks, etc. for the animals in the neighbourhood to eat.
The world’s tallest sunflower blooms in an Indiana backyard as a tribute to Ukraine
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Christine Fernando And Obed Lamy
Published Sep 12, 2025 • 3 minute read
Alex Babich, pose in front of the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower that holds the world record for the tallest flower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.
Alex Babich, pose in front of the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower that holds the world record for the tallest flower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Photo by Michael Conroy /AP Photo
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — When Alex Babich, 47, stood in his backyard in Fort Wayne, Indiana, craning his neck to look 35 feet into the sky, he wasn’t just staring at a sunflower. He was looking at his roots — and his future legacy.
The flower, nicknamed “Clover” and confirmed Wednesday by Guinness World Records as the tallest sunflower ever measured, stretches as high as a telephone pole.
Babich, born and raised in Ukraine, immigrated to the U.S. at age 14 in 1991 after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Seven years ago, he started growing sunflowers as a symbol of his love for his home country.
“Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine, so it’s special to me,” he said.
Babich’s first sunflower was 13 feet tall, then 15, then 19. Quickly, he began asking himself, “How far can we take this?”
He collected seeds from his tallest specimens to refine a genetic line, swapped seeds from other giant sunflower growers and formulated a secret plant feed he now calls a “family heirloom.” He planted each seed indoors under grow lights in the early spring before transferring them outside. Then he sketched a blueprint of a sunflower scaffold on a napkin and began building.
Babich said the record-breaking flower was the result of “trial and error over years.”
“It’s one of my kids,” he said. “You’re out there every day taking care of it.”
Babich’s 10-year-old son also had an important contribution that earned the towering flower its name. He would climb onto the scaffolding and place four-leaf clovers on the sunflower’s leaves, for good luck.
“I’m going to die someday, but the stories of this flower will live on,” he said. “My kids will be telling this story to the grandkids.”
When measuring day came on Sept. 3, Babich was nervous.
About 85 people had gathered to watch, including several master gardeners from a local university and representatives from the Allen County Department of Weights and Measures. Babich was on a WhatsApp call with a representative from Guinness World Records. A camera crew was filming, and a drone flew overhead. Even Icy D. Eagle, the mascot of the local Komets ice hockey team, was there, according to Guinness.
They used a 40-foot cherry picker to measure the flower. Clover was 35 feet and 9 inches, 5 feet taller than the previous world record holder in Germany.
“It’s very emotional,” Babich said. “It’s as good as it gets for someone who grows giants.”
Growing up amid food shortages in Ukraine sparked Babich’s love for gardening. His affection for sunflowers deepened after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“We just pray that the war will end, that the killing will stop,” Babich said. “We just hope this inspires some people in the right places. It’s been long enough.”
The sunflower has long been a national symbol representing peace in Ukraine, and since 2022, it has become a symbol of solidarity with the embattled country. In one viral video clip in the war’s early days, a Ukrainian woman confronted a Russian soldier, ultimately offering to “put sunflower seeds in your pocket so they grow when you die.”
In 1996, ministers from the U.S., Russia and Ukraine planted sunflowers at the Pervomaysk missile base to mark the country’s nuclear weapon disarmament. In 1986, after the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant that later brought Babich’s family to the U.S., scientists planted sunflowers to remove toxins from the soil.
Babich’s sunflower will soon be the star of a documentary, titled “Bloom,” planned for release this summer. In the meantime, Babich has started planting sunflowers around campsites he visited with his family and passing out seed packets to children at festivals.
Plastered onto the seed packets are stickers with the words “Spread the love — sunflower seeds.”
— Fernando reported from Chicago.
torontosun.com
Author of the article:Associated Press
Associated Press
Christine Fernando And Obed Lamy
Published Sep 12, 2025 • 3 minute read
Alex Babich, pose in front of the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower that holds the world record for the tallest flower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025.
Alex Babich, pose in front of the structure that surrounds his nearly 36-feet high sunflower that holds the world record for the tallest flower at his home in Fort Wayne, Ind., Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. Photo by Michael Conroy /AP Photo
FORT WAYNE, Ind. — When Alex Babich, 47, stood in his backyard in Fort Wayne, Indiana, craning his neck to look 35 feet into the sky, he wasn’t just staring at a sunflower. He was looking at his roots — and his future legacy.
The flower, nicknamed “Clover” and confirmed Wednesday by Guinness World Records as the tallest sunflower ever measured, stretches as high as a telephone pole.
Babich, born and raised in Ukraine, immigrated to the U.S. at age 14 in 1991 after the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Seven years ago, he started growing sunflowers as a symbol of his love for his home country.
“Sunflowers are the national flower of Ukraine, so it’s special to me,” he said.
Babich’s first sunflower was 13 feet tall, then 15, then 19. Quickly, he began asking himself, “How far can we take this?”
He collected seeds from his tallest specimens to refine a genetic line, swapped seeds from other giant sunflower growers and formulated a secret plant feed he now calls a “family heirloom.” He planted each seed indoors under grow lights in the early spring before transferring them outside. Then he sketched a blueprint of a sunflower scaffold on a napkin and began building.
Babich said the record-breaking flower was the result of “trial and error over years.”
“It’s one of my kids,” he said. “You’re out there every day taking care of it.”
Babich’s 10-year-old son also had an important contribution that earned the towering flower its name. He would climb onto the scaffolding and place four-leaf clovers on the sunflower’s leaves, for good luck.
“I’m going to die someday, but the stories of this flower will live on,” he said. “My kids will be telling this story to the grandkids.”
When measuring day came on Sept. 3, Babich was nervous.
About 85 people had gathered to watch, including several master gardeners from a local university and representatives from the Allen County Department of Weights and Measures. Babich was on a WhatsApp call with a representative from Guinness World Records. A camera crew was filming, and a drone flew overhead. Even Icy D. Eagle, the mascot of the local Komets ice hockey team, was there, according to Guinness.
They used a 40-foot cherry picker to measure the flower. Clover was 35 feet and 9 inches, 5 feet taller than the previous world record holder in Germany.
“It’s very emotional,” Babich said. “It’s as good as it gets for someone who grows giants.”
Growing up amid food shortages in Ukraine sparked Babich’s love for gardening. His affection for sunflowers deepened after Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
“We just pray that the war will end, that the killing will stop,” Babich said. “We just hope this inspires some people in the right places. It’s been long enough.”
The sunflower has long been a national symbol representing peace in Ukraine, and since 2022, it has become a symbol of solidarity with the embattled country. In one viral video clip in the war’s early days, a Ukrainian woman confronted a Russian soldier, ultimately offering to “put sunflower seeds in your pocket so they grow when you die.”
In 1996, ministers from the U.S., Russia and Ukraine planted sunflowers at the Pervomaysk missile base to mark the country’s nuclear weapon disarmament. In 1986, after the explosion at the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant that later brought Babich’s family to the U.S., scientists planted sunflowers to remove toxins from the soil.
Babich’s sunflower will soon be the star of a documentary, titled “Bloom,” planned for release this summer. In the meantime, Babich has started planting sunflowers around campsites he visited with his family and passing out seed packets to children at festivals.
Plastered onto the seed packets are stickers with the words “Spread the love — sunflower seeds.”
— Fernando reported from Chicago.
The world’s tallest sunflower blooms in an Indiana backyard as a tribute to Ukraine
The flower, nicknamed "Clover," stretches as high as a telephone pole.
