Balcatta resident Luigi Ialacci (97) with his huge sweet potato.
Camera IconBalcatta resident Luigi Ialacci (97) with his huge sweet potato. Credit: Supplied/Supplied

Balcatta gardener grows massive sweet potato

Laura PondStirling Times

AN avid 97-year-old Balcatta gardener has reaped his biggest harvest yet.

Luigi Ialacci grows a variety of fruits and vegetables in his backyard but was surprised when he discovered a huge sweet potato this week.

His daughter Anna Fego said the 3kg vegetable was shaped similar to bull horns and her father found it among the artichokes.

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He had harvested large pumpkins before but nothing of this size.

“He was shocked; I think he surprised himself,” she said.

“He was very happy.”

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Mr Ialacci has been involved in growing fresh produce since he was young and his 150sq m backyard plot comprises fig and avocado trees, tomatoes, eggplants, beans, lettuce, broccoli, zucchini and artichokes.

“He loves it, he absolutely loves it,” Mrs Fego said.

“He reckons it’s his paradise.”

She said he plans to divide the sweet potato between family members to share so they will all get a taste.

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