A Gardeners Forum Forums General Discussion The Food Garden Forum "Large Vegetables"

This is my first post -- so I hope I do not post something that is not acceptable to this group.

I have an 84 year father, whom has been a farmer, now a gardener all his life. He lives in central New York area. I would like to get him seeds - for his 2008 garden -- that produce "very large" produce items. I have often seen out sized pumpkins on TV, maybe "giant" tomatoes etc. I have no idea where one could buy any of those seeds - that I would like to give to my Dad as a Christmas present. He sure takes a lot of pride in his garden - I am sure he would really appreciate the novelty of any of those items (aka bragging rights among his peer group).

Any ordering advice would be sincerely appreciated (sure hard to buy anything "new" for an 84 year old).

Thanks for your consideration of my question.

dave

Hi Dave! What a great idea for a Christmas present!

I am in a rush right just now, but when I come back around dinner time (EST), I will look in our archives for you. Several years ago I posted about giant produce brands and will dig it all up for you. Meantime, I'm sure others will also have likely suggestions!

Back later --


Merme

Sorry for the delay...


Okay, here's what was in our archive.

From the Thompson & Morgan catalog, you can order giant varieties of tomato, cucumber, marrow, squash, carrots, parsnip, cabbage and pumpkin. Also, the Football Onion which weighs in at 5 lbs.

Gurney & Mellinger's carries the giant bell pepper called The Big Bertha as well as the Bushel Gourd. The Bushel Gourd grows to 100 lbs but gets lighter as it dries down to 1 lb. It can be cut open and used for a planter or a toy box, etc.

The largest varieties of watermelon...

The Black Diamon from Jung can grow to 50 lbs.
Cobb Gem from Gurney can get to 130 lbs.
Caroline Cross #183 from Burpee can get to 200 lbs.

I would suggest you look for these seed suppliers on-line.


Merme

Merme-

A sincere thanks - for your most informative/ "right on" reply. Alas I have been without net access for a couple of weeks - unable to pass along my sincere thanks for your info. I am sure my dad will enjoy the inexpensive seeds I have ordered, as much as anything he receives for Christmas!!

Again THANKs-
dave

Glad to help!


Merme