Giant vegetables grown by a Redruth gardener have been recruited by producers for the upcoming HBO Harry Potter TV series, BBC News reported.
Nathan Mitchell, from St Day near Redruth in Cornwall, was surprised to receive contact from the production team after a friend in Wales recommended his giant crops. Mitchell has spent more than 10 years growing giant fruit and vegetables and has competed in national competitions.
“A friend of mine, Kevin… [said] one of the producers asked him if he was growing any [giant cabbages] and he said ‘No, I’m not but I know someone down in Cornwall who is'”, Mitchell told BBC News.
Two of the production sculptors, based locally in Cornwall, initially visited Mitchell to collect a few leaves to build a test mould. The following day, the team confirmed the test was successful and secured the vegetables for the production.
- Mitchell achieved fourth place at the 2022 National Giant Vegetables Championship with a cabbage weighing 56 lbs (25kg).
- The grower connected production staff with fellow competitors to supply giant pumpkins for the series.
- Work is currently underway on the show, with reports indicating a broadcast target of December 25.
Growing up watching the original films, Mitchell described himself as a definite fan of the franchise. Following the cabbage supply, producers reached out again to source giant pumpkins for the television adaptation.
“I don’t grow pumpkins myself… but I’ve got a few friends in the giant veg world who I’ve managed to get hold of, and I think they’re now working with them as well,” Mitchell told BBC News.
The giant cabbages are expected to appear on screen during the second season of the show. Production timelines suggest viewers will likely wait another year before seeing the Cornish vegetables in the finished episodes.
“We might be another year or so waiting,” Mitchell said. “I’m just wondering if I’ll get a credit as ‘cabbage advisor’.”
Mitchell competed this year with a smaller pumpkin weighing about 40lb (18kg), which secured third place in its category.
“Everyone had the same issue because of the weather this year because it’s been so hot,” Mitchell told BBC News, adding that monitoring the crops remains an enjoyable process.
“It is fun watching them grow,” he said.
