Maine Gardener Set New State Tomato Record
A Walpole gardener grew a 6.92-pound Domingo tomato, crushing the previous Maine record.
Updated on Sept. 25, 2026 in Gardening
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Leon Busby has officially set a new Maine record after harvesting a 6.92-pound tomato in Walpole. The massive specimen is currently ranked as the 10th largest tomato in the world.
Why it matters
The achievement highlights the potential for giant vegetable cultivation in Maine, far surpassing the state’s previous record. Busby’s success has drawn regional attention to competitive gardening techniques.
The record-breaking Domingo tomato weighed in at 6.92 pounds, shattering the former state record of 5.19 pounds. It now holds the 10th position in the global rankings for tomato size.
The players
Leon Busby
He is the Maine gardener who successfully cultivated a record-breaking tomato.
Maine Pumpkin Growers Organization
This organization tracks regional giant vegetable records and distributes seeds to local growers.
The details
Leon Busby managed the massive growth by planting seeds on June 28 and following a strict regimen of organic fertilizer and one gallon of water per day. The tomato was officially weighed and verified at Main Street Grocery in Damariscotta.
Timeline
June 28, 2026: Busby planted the seeds.
Late July 2026: Busby pollinated the plants.
September 14, 2026: The tomato was harvested in Walpole.
Culture Shift
This record-breaking harvest reflects a broader trend of increased interest in competitive giant vegetable growing across the Northeast. As cultivation techniques improve, growers are consistently pushing the biological limits of heirloom varieties like the Domingo.
Local gardening enthusiasts can look forward to accessing the specific genetics used in this record-breaking plant through the upcoming annual seed packets. The successful growth demonstrates the viability of organic fertilizing methods for those attempting to scale their own produce output.
The takeaway
Achieving record-breaking growth requires consistent daily hydration and high-quality organic nutrients. These techniques are accessible to hobbyist gardeners looking to improve the size and health of their home crops.
What happens next
Busby plans to attempt growing an 8-pound tomato next year, and seeds from this record-breaking tomato will be featured in the Maine Pumpkin Growers Organization annual packet.
Further reading
For more tips on nurturing your own produce, visit the Gardening section.
More information
For more information on giant vegetable cultivation, visit the Maine Pumpkin Growers Organization website.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Bangor Daily News.
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