Courgette

Type: Vegetable

Rotation Group: 0, No rotation needed


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DEFENDER

Courgette Defender has an open bush habit, making it very easy to harvest. It is also very early to crop (sometimes in June). It is a heavy yielding variety which is resistant to Cucumber Mosaic Virus. Deep green fruits are produced all summer long if cropped regularly.
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AMBASSADOR

High-yielding over a long season. Dark green fruit with crisp white flesh. Recommended for deep freezing. Maturing time approximately 12 weeks from sowing.
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TUSCANY

Well suited to the UK climate, this vigorous variety produces few spines so it's easier to pick. It has resistance to powdery mildew and yields a large supply of very dark straight fruits. Has firm flesh and excellent flavour.
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ATENA POLKA

A most attractive yellow fruited variety which is eye-catching both in the garden and on the plate. Very productive but without losing the same delicious flavour of green varieties.

Site, Soil and Preparation

A well drained, humus rich soil in full sun, sheltered from winds is preferred.

Indoor Sowing

Sow seeds indoors from April to May for transplanting later on. Sow seeds on their sides in small 75mm (3in) pots of seed compost at a depth of about 20mm (3/4in). Place in a propagator or seal pots inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) until germination, which takes 5-7 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination. Once germinated, grow on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and plants are large enough to be transplanted outdoors. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting outdoors.

Outdoor Sowing

When the weather is warm enough seeds can be sown direct outdoors. Sow 2 or 3 seeds at each position at a depth of 25mm (1in) and space positions 600-900mm (24-36in) apart.

Thinning

Thin outdoor sown seeds to leave 1 plant at each position.

Transplanting

After hardening off transplant indoor sown seeds to 1 plant at each position at 600-900mm (24-36in) apart.

Care

Plants should not be allowed to dry out, water regularly, particularly during flowering and when fruit are swelling.

Harvest

Pick courgettes when they are young and still small. Regular picking encourages the production of further fruits.