Zucchini King Of Nutley Recaptures Crown With Monster Veggie

NUTLEY, NJ — The zucchini king of Nutley has recaptured his crown.

Recently, Charles Adornetto – an 88-year-old gardener supreme from Essex County – won Nutley’s annual tomato and zucchini contest, which gives props to locals who can grow the most monstrous veggies.

After suffering a “crushing loss” last year, Adornetto became a three-time winner this summer, turning in a scale-tipping, 6 foot 8 inch cucuzza, a type of squash. His granddaughter, April Lehman, offered Patch some photos of the octogenarian in his garden alongside his “pride and joy.” (See gallery above)

Adornetto, a Sicilian immigrant who came to the U.S. about 60 years ago, is fiercely proud of his green thumb. "He's become a complete diva," Lehman jokingly told a reporter after his win in 2017.

Here are some of the ways that Adornetto has tried to capitalize on his local fame in the past, according to his granddaughter:

• He’s demanded that his zucchini photos be shared online
• He’s carried his certificate and winning zucchini to family gatherings and events
• He's turned his veggies into Halloween costumes

Adornetto once even tried to get a traffic ticket lowered in court by telling the prosecutor about his award-winning zucchinis, according to Lehman. And when his granddaughter mistakenly forgot to send his latest photos to the local press, he made sure the situation was rectified.

“He is currently annoyed at me for not submitting his info to any news outlets after this redemption win,” Lehman said Monday.

• See related article: Nutley Grandpa's Huge Zucchinis Are Making Him A Star

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