Britain’s giant veg king crowned with record-breaking cucumber and aubergine

Britain’s king of giant fruit and vegetables, Kevin Fortey, has claimed new records thanks to his colossal cucumber and aubergine.

Fortey, who now holds an impressive 11 world records, recently achieved the title for the tallest cucumber plant, which towers at a staggering 21 feet 4 inches.

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The 46-year-old also broke the record for the world’s longest aubergine, measuring 16 inches.

These new accomplishments join his other Guinness World Records for giant produce, including a massive tomatillo plant, the heaviest cantaloupe, and the largest sunflower head.

Kevin, from Cwmbran, near Newport, South Wales, credits his green thumb to a family tradition.

His father, Mike Fortey, co-founded the Giant Vegetable Championship in the 1980s.

What started as a humble event in a small pub has grown alongside the pumpkins, moving to bigger venues as the competition’s popularity soared.

Despite its current prominence, giant vegetable growing wasn’t always a respected hobby.

Kevin recalls, “When we were kids, vegetable growing wasn’t seen as a cool thing to do.”

But over the years, interest has sprouted across the globe.

“They used to call me the onion kid, but now I’m the giant veg man.”

Fortey’s passion for enormous produce has taken him around the world to offer advice to aspiring growers.

He recently returned from Ventura, California, where he spoke at the Heirloom Expo.

This weekend, he’s heading to Jersey to judge the Royal Jersey Agricultural and Horticultural Society’s Autumn Show, where he’ll also present children’s awards and give a talk on growing giant vegetables.

He hopes to inspire a new generation of gardeners. “If the giant cucumber fits in my suitcase,” he joked, “I’ll take it along too.”

As for his secret to success? Kevin credits his green fingers and loving Welsh hands for his fruitful triumphs.

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SOURCE: Britain’s giant fruit and vegetable king crowned with record-breaking cucumber and aubergine