Across farms, fairs, and record-keeping circles, oversized produce draws attention for the techniques behind it and the stories it tells about climate, soil, and dedication. Whether you’re browsing out of curiosity or looking for practical tips, lists of record vegetables make it easy to compare species and the conditions that produced them.
There are 17 huge vegetables, ranging from Beetroot to Winter Melon. For each item I list Scientific name,Record weight (kg),Record source (year) so you can compare species, sizes, and when records were set — you’ll find that information below.
How are record weights for huge vegetables verified?
Official verifications typically require an independent witness, a certified scale appropriate for the weight, photos or video, and a documented date; many records come from agricultural shows or recognized registries, and the Record source (year) column in the list points you to the original verification details.
Can I realistically grow one of these giants at home?
Some entries (like large beet varieties or certain squashes) are achievable with the right seeds, rich soil, consistent watering, and space, while others demand specific climates or long growing seasons—check the Scientific name and past record conditions to match a variety to your garden.
Huge Vegetables
| Vegetable | Scientific name | Record weight (kg) | Record source (year) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pumpkin | Cucurbita maxima | 1,246.9 | Guinness World Records (Travis Gienger, 2023) |
| Winter Melon | Benincasa hispida | 121.5 | Guinness World Records (Matt DeMuro, 2021) |
| Marrow | Cucurbita pepo | 116.4 | Guinness World Records (Vincent Sjodin, 2021) |
| Cabbage | Brassica oleracea var. capitata | 62.71 | Guinness World Records (Scott & Mardie Robb, 2012) |
| Rutabaga | Brassica napus Napobrassica Group | 54 | Guinness World Records (Scott & Mardie Robb, 2011) |
| Kohlrabi | Brassica oleracea (Gongylodes Group) | 45.81 | Guinness World Records (Scott & Mardie Robb, 2019) |
| Celery | Apium graveolens | 42 | Guinness World Records (Andy & Peter Crowe, 2021) |
| Cauliflower | Brassica oleracea var. botrytis | 27.48 | Guinness World Records (Peter Glazebrook, 2014) |
| Beetroot | Beta vulgaris | 23.995 | Guinness World Records (Ian Neale, 2001) |
| Turnip | Brassica rapa subsp. rapa | 17.7 | Guinness World Records (Scott & Mardie Robb, 2004) |
| Cucumber | Cucumis sativus | 13.39 | Guinness World Records (Sebastian Suski, 2022) |
| Sweet Potato | Ipomoea batatas | 11.2 | Guinness World Records (Manuel Pérez Pérez, 2004) |
| Leek | Allium ampeloprasum | 10.6 | Guinness World Records (Derek Hulme, 2022) |
| Carrot | Daucus carota | 10.17 | Guinness World Records (Christopher Qualley, 2017) |
| Onion | Allium cepa | 8.97 | Guinness World Records (Gareth Griffin, 2023) |
| Potato | Solanum tuberosum | 4.98 | Guinness World Records (Peter Glazebrook, 2011) |
| Tomato | Solanum lycopersicum | 4.896 | Guinness World Records (Dan Sutherland, 2020) |
Images and Descriptions

Pumpkin
The undisputed king of giant vegetables, this colossal pumpkin from Minnesota, USA, is heavier than a small car. Growers use special seeds and careful vine management. Tip: Ensure ample space and consistent watering for best results.

Winter Melon
Also known as an ash gourd, this enormous squash was grown in New York, USA. In Asian cuisine, it’s used in soups and stews, making this single specimen a true feast. Tip: Grow on a very sturdy trellis.

Marrow
A popular competition vegetable in the UK, this giant marrow is a type of summer squash grown to an enormous size. This Welsh record-holder required a special hoist to weigh. Tip: Hand-pollinate flowers to ensure fruit set.

Cabbage
Grown in Alaska, this massive head of cabbage benefited from the long summer daylight hours. It is large enough to make coleslaw for an entire neighborhood! Tip: Cabbages are heavy feeders, so provide very nutrient-rich soil.

Rutabaga
Also known as a swede, this monster root vegetable from Alaska is another record for its champion growers. The cool climate and long summer days are ideal for these brassicas. Tip: Protect young plants from root maggots with row covers.

Kohlrabi
Another giant from Alaskan growers, this kohlrabi is a testament to the state’s unique growing season with its extended daylight hours, which helps brassicas grow to enormous sizes. Tip: Provide consistent moisture to prevent the bulb from splitting.

Celery
Grown in the UK, this gigantic bunch of celery weighed as much as a large dog. Its development required a custom-built growing frame for support and blanching. Tip: Celery is a thirsty plant; never let the soil dry out.

Cauliflower
Grown by a UK giant-veg legend, this cauliflower was many times the size of a typical store-bought one. Growing it required a huge amount of water and nutrients. Tip: Tie the outer leaves over the head to keep it white.

Beetroot
This massive beetroot from the UK is a deep-red giant. Growers of massive root vegetables often use raised beds or special containers filled with loose, rich compost to achieve this size. Tip: Thin seedlings to give remaining beets room to swell.

Turnip
This record-holding turnip from Alaska proved the growers’ mastery of cultivating colossal root vegetables. The cool climate is perfect for developing large, sweet turnips without them becoming woody. Tip: Plant in late summer for a fall harvest.

Cucumber
This colossal cucumber was grown in the UK by a Polish-born hobbyist. The key to its size was consistent feeding and watering during a particularly hot summer. Tip: Grow on a strong trellis to support the weight and improve air circulation.

Sweet Potato
This hefty sweet potato was unearthed in Lanzarote, Spain. Its impressive weight is a result of the island’s ideal volcanic soil and a long, warm growing season. Tip: Sweet potatoes love heat and well-drained, sandy soil.

Leek
This heavyweight leek, grown in the UK, demonstrates that size isn’t just about length. It required careful cultivation to develop its massive girth and weight for the competition. Tip: Plant in deep holes and gradually fill them to blanch the stem.

Carrot
This record-breaking carrot from Minnesota, USA, looks more like a science fiction prop than a garden vegetable. It was grown in deep, sandy, and completely stone-free soil. Tip: Prepare very loose, deep soil to prevent forking.

Onion
This UK-grown onion is a marvel of patience, taking nearly a year to grow from seed. It was proudly displayed at the prestigious Harrogate Autumn Flower Show. Tip: Start seeds extra early indoors to maximize the growing season.

Potato
Grown by a UK giant vegetable legend, this enormous spud is large enough to make a massive batch of French fries for the whole family. It remains the heaviest verified potato. Tip: Consistently “hill up” soil around the plant.

Tomato
This massive tomato grown in Washington, USA, weighed more than many newborn babies. It came from a ‘Big Zac’ cultivar plant, which is famous among competitive growers. Tip: Prune suckers to direct all energy into the main fruit.
