Minnesota Arboretum Grows Record 511 Pumpkin Varieties

Diana Pierce
Oct 8
4 min read

Meet the couple behind fall's most diverse pumpkin display

by Diana Pierce,

Oct. 8, 2025

The Arboretum’s Pumpkin Tree on Dahlberg Terrace — built from hundreds of pumpkins and gourds hand-stacked by John and Jenny Thull. Photo: John Thull

Fall at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum isn’t just beautiful — it’s record-breaking.

In the research fields west of the main gardens, volunteers weave between sprawling vines, gathering pumpkins in shades of orange, cream, and green. Some are speckled. Others are striped. A few are no bigger than golf balls.

Each one represents a different variety — 511 in total — now under review by Guinness World Records as a potential record for the most pumpkin varieties grown on a single property.

From Vineyards to Pumpkin Patches

John Thull, the Arboretum’s Vineyard Manager, typically spends his days tending ten acres of grapes for the University of Minnesota’s Grape Breeding Program. His work focuses on developing cold-hardy wine and table grapes suited for Minnesota’s challenging climate.

But when autumn arrives, John and his wife Jenny shift their focus to a different kind of harvest: pumpkins, squash, and gourds.

John and Jenny Thull standing together in the Arboretum’s research fields, holding pumpkins. Photo: Diana Pierce

“It’s probably by a long shot the most varieties we’ve ever had,” John says, brushing soil from his gloves. “We hit over 511 this season.”

Jenny spends winter months hunting for seeds from 11 to 12 different companies worldwide, mixing heirloom classics with experimental newcomers. Her goal? Diversity that sparks curiosity.

“I love finding the ones that make people stop and say, ‘What is that?’” she laughs.

The Pumpkin Tree: Art Meets Agriculture

The Arboretum’s showpiece this fall is impossible to miss. Rising from Dahlberg Terrace near the main entrance, the Pumpkin Tree glows like a harvest bonfire — a cone-shaped sculpture built entirely from hundreds of pumpkins and gourds.

Every piece is hand-placed by John, arranged by shape, size, and color.

John Thull on a ladder stacking pumpkins to build the Arb's Pumpkin Tree. Photo: Diana Pierce

From a distance, it radiates warmth. Up close, it’s a stunning example of what happens when agriculture becomes art.

The completed Pumpkin Tree on Dahlberg Terrace with Jenn Thull: Photo: John Thull

It’s quickly becoming one of the Arboretum’s most photographed fall attractions.

Where City Meets Farm

On a recent harvest day, I joined volunteers from Accredited Investors Wealth Management in Edina as they worked the fields. Dressed in black shirts and caps emblazoned with “SYLW” (Spend Your Life Wisely), the team stood out among the vines.

Group photo of Accredited Investors volunteers in an Arb pumpkin field. Photo: Diana Pierce

Co-founder Wil Heupel surveyed the scene with a smile. “I call it a little bit of city folk meets farm folk,” he said. “It’s fun to see everyone outside the office, getting their hands dirty and laughing together. It’s a culture building experience in the best way.”

Volunteers gather pumpkins from rows of sprawling vines. Photo: Diana Pierce

The firm’s commitment to sustainability runs deep. Their Edina headquarters features rooftop solar panels, EV charging stations, and native plant landscaping. They’ve even partnered with the University of Minnesota to host honeybee apiaries.

For these efforts, Accredited Investors earned Gold-Level certification from the Edina Energy & Environment Commission’s Green Business Recognition Program.

From Field to Table — and Home

Later in the season, those pumpkins and gourds make their way to Pumpkin Hill, the cheerful patch beside the Arboretum’s AppleHouse,

There, visitors can select their favorites to take home — everything from classic carving pumpkins to miniature spinning gourds that delight children.

One young visitor — Miss M, exploring with her grandparents — paused for photos among pumpkins nearly as tall as she was. Her smile rivaled the brightness of the harvest itself.

Pumpkin Hill delight. Miss M, visiting with her grandparents, finds her perfect pumpkin. Photo: Diana Pierce

Another place to be inspired is inside the visitor center, where the Rootstock Café turns Jenny’s favorite squash recipes into seasonal dishes, giving guests a literal taste of the research happening just outside.

511 Stories Worth Telling

As Jenny Thull puts it: “Every pumpkin tells a story.”

Among the smallest — spinning gourds, tiny and bright, each with its own story to tell. Photo: Diana Pierce

This year, the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is telling 511 of them — each one a testament to curiosity, collaboration, and the joy of growing something extraordinary.

Whether you’re there for the world record, the Pumpkin Tree, or simply to wander among the most diverse pumpkin displays in the world, one thing is certain: fall at the Arb is unforgettable.

Thanks for blooming with me and remember- when life gives you pumpkins, make pie.

#bloomwithme

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