By: Garden Life News | June 28, 2025
Move over pumpkins and onions—this year’s jaw-dropper in the world of giant vegetables comes in the form of an absolutely mammoth zucchini (also known as a courgette in the UK). A seasoned grower proudly posed next to his extraordinary green gourd, which stood vertically like a tree trunk, dwarfing the table it sat upon and reaching up to the grower’s shoulder. This towering vegetable looks more like a sculpture than something you’d slice into a stir fry, and it has left gardening communities buzzing.
This is no optical illusion. What you’re looking at is one of the largest zucchinis ever grown—an achievement that combines knowledge, timing, the perfect soil recipe, and years of gardening experience.
So how exactly do you grow a zucchini that could easily double as a garden statue? Let’s dig in.
Meet the Zucchini Champion
Though the grower’s name hasn’t been officially released, it’s clear he’s no stranger to competitive vegetable growing. His suit-and-tie presentation alongside the supersized courgette suggests a formal setting—perhaps a local fair or national growing competition where giant vegetables are judged like prized livestock.
In front of the giant stands a normal-sized zucchini for comparison, making the towering green marvel look even more surreal.
Tips to Grow a Giant Zucchini (Courgette)
1. Choose the Right Variety
Standard supermarket zucchinis won’t cut it. Go for heirloom or long-season varieties known for their vigorous growth such as Black Beauty, Grey Zucchini, or specific “giant” strains used in growing competitions.
2. Start Early & Indoors
Begin seeds indoors in late winter (around February or March), especially if you’re in a cooler climate. Use large pots to give roots room to stretch, and transplant after the last frost.
3. Supercharge the Soil
Zucchinis love rich, well-drained soil. Before planting, amend your garden bed with compost, aged manure, worm castings, and a balanced organic fertilizer. Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0–7.0).
4. Plant in the Sun
Zucchinis need full sunlight for at least 6–8 hours a day. Position them in a spot where they’ll receive maximum exposure.
5. Water Deeply and Regularly
Deep, consistent watering encourages healthy root systems. Avoid overhead watering to prevent mildew and fungus. A thick layer of mulch will help retain moisture and regulate temperature.
6. Feed Like a Champion
Use a nitrogen-rich fertilizer early in the growing season to promote leafy growth. Switch to a high-phosphorus and potassium blend when the plant begins to flower and fruit.
7. Train for Vertical Growth
For those aiming for size and spectacle, some growers train zucchinis to grow vertically with supportive structures. This helps prevent rot, encourages uniform shape, and allows for easier monitoring.
8. Remove Excess Fruits
Just like with pumpkins or melons, allow only one or two fruits per plant to grow to full size. This way, all the plant’s energy goes into producing a single, massive zucchini.
9. Monitor Daily
Zucchinis grow fast. A fruit can double in size in just a few days. Check frequently for pests (like squash bugs or vine borers), signs of mildew, or nutrient deficiencies.
10. Let It Grow Beyond Edible Stage
While zucchinis are usually harvested young for tender flavor, giant varieties are left on the vine much longer to reach extreme sizes. At this point, they’re mostly for show—not for eating!
Why Grow Something This Big?
Giant vegetables are more than just novelties—they’re symbols of patience, skill, and fun. Whether you’re looking to wow the neighbors, win a local competition, or just see what you’re capable of, there’s real joy in watching a tiny seed become something larger than life.
And for the grower in the photo, that joy is written all over his face.
