By: Garden Life News | June 28, 2025
In a delightful and awe-inspiring tale of backyard gardening success, a British gardener has captured international attention after growing a truly gigantic onion—so large, in fact, that he had to hold it with both arms like a newborn baby. The image of the smiling man beaming with pride while holding the colossal vegetable quickly went viral, sparking admiration, curiosity, and one burning question among gardeners everywhere: How on earth did he grow it that big?
A Garden Giant
The onion, which appears to be nearly the size of a watermelon, is a shining example of what patience, dedication, and the right techniques can yield. While the gardener has not been officially identified in media outlets, he joins a long line of UK horticulturists known for competitive vegetable growing—an enthusiastic niche of gardening that combines science, soil mastery, and a bit of friendly rivalry.
In the photo, the onion’s robust roots, thick green shoots, and paper-dry golden outer layers tell the story of months of careful nurturing. It’s not just a quirky oversized garden find; it’s a horticultural triumph.
How Do You Grow a Giant Onion?
For those intrigued by the possibility of growing such a giant themselves, here are several tried-and-true tips used by professional and amateur giant-veg growers alike:
Giant Onion Growing Tips
1. Choose the Right Variety
Not all onions are destined for greatness. If you’re aiming for size, start with a giant variety such as ‘Kelsae’ or ‘Ailsa Craig.’ These are specially bred for competition growing and known for their potential to reach enormous sizes.
2. Start Early—Really Early
Sow your seeds indoors in late December or early January. Onions need a long growing season to reach their full potential. Starting early gives the plant more time to develop large bulbs.
3. Soil Preparation is Key
Giant onions need nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. Prepare your garden bed by adding plenty of well-rotted manure or compost. Onions thrive in slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0 to 7.0).
4. Space and Airflow
Allow ample space between each plant—at least 12 inches apart. Good airflow prevents diseases and allows bulbs to swell without competition.
5. Water Consistently
Onions love consistent moisture but hate soggy roots. Water regularly but ensure excellent drainage. Mulching can help retain soil moisture while keeping weeds at bay.
6. Feed Generously
High nitrogen feeds encourage lush leaf growth early on, which is essential because larger leaves often mean a larger bulb. As the plant matures, switch to a balanced or potassium-rich feed to promote bulb development.
7. Support and Protection
As the onion grows, it may need physical support to prevent damage to the stem or bulb. Gardeners often use rings or collars to help support the neck of the onion. Also, keep the area free of pests and use cloches or netting to protect young plants.
8. Patience and Monitoring
Giant vegetables are all about careful observation. Monitor for signs of disease or stunted growth and adjust watering, feeding, or protection strategies as needed. Some growers even use LED grow lights in winter to give seedlings a head start.
The Joy of Growing Big
While most home gardeners may never aim for a world record, growing oversized vegetables can be an exciting and rewarding challenge. It also encourages better understanding of plant health and growing cycles—skills that can benefit your entire garden.
And more than anything, as this onion-growing champion demonstrates, it brings joy. Just one look at his smiling face in the photo, cradling his larger-than-life harvest, tells you everything you need to know about the satisfaction of growing something with your own two hands.
So, if you’re feeling inspired, why not give it a go next season? Who knows—you might just grow the next record-breaking veggie in your own backyard.
