The Largest Broccoli Ever Grown – A World Record Vegetable

Broccoli is a nutritious green vegetable that belongs to the cabbage family. While most heads of broccoli are small enough to fit in the palm of your hand, some dedicated gardeners have managed to grow record-breaking massive broccoli heads. The largest broccoli in documented history was an astounding 15.87 kg (35 lb) mammoth grown in Palmer, Alaska in 1993.

A Brief History of Giant Vegetabless have been growing vegetables for thousands of years. In many ancient cultures, large vegetables were prized as a sign of fertility, virility, and agricultural prowess. Ancient Egyptians, Romans, and Greeks all celebrated and revered exceptionally large vegetables.

In more modern times, growing giant produce became a hobby for many home gardeners. County fairs and festivals often held competitions for the largest specimens with the winners taking home blue ribbons and bragging rights.

The obsession with huge vegetables took off in the 1980s and 1990s as ordinary people tried to best the world records set by commercial growers. Growing massive fruits and veggies became an international phenomenon.

The Quest for the Biggest Broccoli

Broccoli has been grown for over 2,000 years, originating in Italy during Roman times. It was brought to England in the mid-18th century and introduced to American colonists by European settlers.

While broccoli has long been valued for its flavor and nutrients, the pursuit of giant broccoli heads didn’t take off until the late 20th century. In 1993, Palmer, Alaska residents John and Mary Evans achieved the Guinness World Record for the heaviest broccoli when they grew a 35 lb whopper.

To put things into perspective, a typical head of supermarket broccoli weighs about 1/2 to 1 lb. The Evans’ record-setting broccoli was over 15,000% larger than average!

How to Grow Giant Broccoli

Growing super-sized broccoli takes patience, care, and near-perfect conditions. Here are some tips:

• Start with the right variety – Look for heirloom or hybrid varieties designed for big yields. ‘Calabrese’ and ‘Waltham’ are good options.

• Plant in rich soil – Broccoli is a heavy feeder. Amend soil with lots of aged manure and compost before planting. Side dress with a nitrogen fertilizer when heads start forming.

• Don’t crowd – Thin seedlings to 18-24 inches apart to prevent competition for light and nutrients.

• Water consistently – Lack of water causes growth to stall. Irrigate so soil stays evenly moist.

• Delay harvesting – Let heads grow as long as possible before cutting. Largest heads are often 10+ inches across.

• Protect from pests – Use row covers to keep out cabbage worms. Hand pick off any green cabbage loopers.

Weighing the Benefits of Huge Broccoli

While giant broccoli certainly looks impressive, you may be wondering – does bigger mean better when it comes to taste and nutrition?

Some studies have found that broccoli grown under stress conditions can have even higher levels of nutrients than normal. However, extremely oversized broccoli heads tend to get woody and fibrous, reducing palatability. Flavor and texture both suffer.

Many serious vegetable growers conclude that when it comes to broccoli, the sweet spot for optimum eating quality is around 1 to 2 lbs per head. Still, the quest for the world’s biggest broccoli continues. Perhaps you’ll be the next green thumb to grow a new record-breaker!