Why are all the biggest vegetables from Alaska?

Answer 1

Some crops, like cabbage and rutabagas and turnips can take advatange of our long, long summer days (19.5 hours in June in my town, more in Mat-Su and Fairbanks) and grow to world record size.

Other crops (spinach, lettuce) grow so fast that unless you harvest some each day, they "bolt" and go to seed.

Crops that need heat, like tomatos, are marginal here. Doable, but better in a greenhouse or windowbox.

We just had a state record pumpkin in the neighboring town, just over 1,000 pounds. But nationally, people grow 1,400-pound ones.

Partly, I think we brag about a few huge vegetables because we're sort of in denial about how long and cold our winters are. Summers are glorious with VERY long days, but you can't plant outside till May 15 or so. And first frost comes around Sept 15. Some stuff can get really big in those 4 months. But fruits, nuts, hot-house vegetables, etc do not work well here. So we make a big deal about 76-pound rutabagas and 90-pound cabbages. I mean, who wants a 76-pound rutabaga?!

Answer 2

Vegetables can grow larger in parts of Alaska because of the glacier-grounded ashy soil and 20 hours of sunlight and photosynthesis a day during the summer, especially around Mantanuska.

Answer 3

Alaska has very long hours of daylight in summer, since it's far north. All this extra light makes the vegetables huge.

Answer 4

Only the cool weather veggies are bigger and that's due in part to climate, largely volcanic soil and longer days.

Have you ever seen Alaskan tomatoes, peppers, okra or watermelon? The southern regions beat Alaska handily there!

Answer 5

I think its because it is far north and they have long daylight hours.