In a feat of horticultural genius, a teenage boy from Spain has cultivated a world-record-breaking cantaloupe melon that weighs more than a washing machine. Llorenç Soler Adrover, a young farmer with an exceptional green thumb, has been officially recognized by Guinness World Records for growing the heaviest cantaloupe melon ever recorded.

The monumental fruit weighed in at a whopping 31.446 kg (69 lb 5.28 oz), smashing the previous record of 30.47 kg (67 lb 1.8 oz) set in 2019. The record was confirmed on August 28, 2023, at the annual “Rufino Pineda Mendoza” Watermelon and Melon Competition in Villanueva de la Serena, Spain, a hub for giant vegetable enthusiasts.

Now 19, Adrover’s passion for gardening started at a young age, and he spent years perfecting his techniques, which included meticulous soil preparation and cross-breeding seeds for optimal growth. His dedication paid off when he unveiled his prized melon, which was so large it had to be transported in a wheelbarrow.

For Adrover, the motivation was purely personal. He told Guinness World Records that he decided to attempt the record “for his own personal achievement.” His success at such a young age has not only earned him global recognition but has also made him a role model for other young farmers, proving that a blend of passion, patience, and science can yield truly extraordinary results.