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Harry Potter producers use grower's giant cabbages

Caroline RobinsonSouth West
Nathan Mitchell Nathan Mitchell said behind a table with giant cabbages on. He is wearing a blue hoodie with green lanyard and is smiling. Behind him is a brick wall. Nathan Mitchell
Nathan Mitchell has been growing giant cabbages for more than 10 years

A grower was surprised to be contacted by producers of a new Harry Potter TV series asking if his giant cabbages could used for the show.

Nathan Mitchell, from St Day, near Redruth in Cornwall, said he was contacted by producers of the HBO Harry Potter series after a friend of his in Wales recommended him.

"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 has been growing giant fruit and vegetables for more than 10 years, and has competed in national competitions.

Mitchell said: "Two of the [production] sculptors are actually based in Cornwall and they wanted to come over and get a few leaves first of all to give them a test mould.

"Then the next day they confirmed it all worked and said 'yeah, we'll have the cabbages'."

Mitchell said he grew up with the Harry Potter movies so he was "definitely a HP fan".

He added: "They have been back in contact about getting some pumpkins.

"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."

He added he thought the cabbages might be visible in the second season of the show.

"We might be another year or so waiting," he said.

"I'm just wondering if I'll get a credit as 'cabbage advisor'."

Nathan Mitchell Three giant cabbages in plant pots in a row on wooden pallets. Behind them is green grass. The pallets are on gravel. Nathan Mitchell
Mitchell said his biggest cabbage weighed 56 lbs (25kg)

Mitchell said his biggest cabbage weighed 56lb (25kg) which came fourth in his first National Giant Vegetables Championship in 2022.

He said he competed this year with a smaller pumpkin, about 40lb (18kg), which came third.

2026 has been difficult for growers due to the hottest summer on record.

"Everyone had the same issue because of the weather this year because it's been so hot," he said.

Work is under way for the show, with reports it is due to be broadcast from 25 December.

HBO has been contacted for comment.

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