Courgette Zucchini

A reliable favourite with fine flavoured dark green courgettes.

• Courgettes are hugely versatile and easy to grow.
• They need regular watering and picking for good crops.
• Some courgettes can be grown successfully in pots on the patio.
• Sow indoors for surest results, March-May, 1.5cm (½”) deep, on edge, in small pots of compost.
• Water well and place in a warm position.
• A temperature of 15-20°C (60-68°F) is ideal.
• Keep moist.
• Seedlings usually appear in 7-14 days.
• Gradually accustom plants to outside conditions (avoid frosts), before planting out 60cm (2′) apart, into fertile, well-drained soil, during May-June when frosts are over.
• Or sow outdoors, April-May for ease, where they are to crop, 1.5cm (½”) deep, directly into finely-prepared, fertile, well-drained soil, which has already been watered.
• Allow 60cm (2′) between sowing positions.
• Sow two seeds on edge per position.
• Early sowings benefit from cloche protection.
• Thin to leave the stronger plant.
• Water well until plants are established.
• Harvest: July-October.
• Cut the courgettes when they are about 15cm (6″) long, or leave them to mature as marrows.