The biggest vegetables in the region have been revealed at the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show, which opened today (Friday 18 September) at Newby Hall & Gardens near Ripon.
The annual NEHS Giant Vegetable Competition has once again produced some impressive entries, with growers competing across a range of categories. Pictured below are some of this year’s category winners with their winning entries:
- Graham Haswell – giant marrow – 36.43kg
- Chris Marriott – giant beetroot – 21.88kg
- Paul Proud – longest cucumber – 1022mm
- Stephen Purvis – giant leek – 8.4kg
The show is also home to the National Onion Championship, attracting some of the country’s finest giant onion growers.
This year’s champion was Stephen Purvis of Seaham, Co Durham, whose onion weighed in at 7.972kg.
The National Onion Championship has been a highlight of the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show since it was introduced in 1983.
In 2023, the competition made horticultural history when an onion weighing 8.97kg was grown and weighed at the show, setting a world record.
Now celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Harrogate Autumn Flower Show brings together competitive flowers, fruit and vegetables, specialist nurseries, gardening displays, plants, shopping and family activities for three days of autumn gardening inspiration.
The show runs from 18–20 September 2026 at Newby Hall & Gardens, with visitors also able to enjoy the historic house and gardens as part of their day.

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