Courgette

Growing Guide

Sow courgette seed indoors in March and April for transplanting later on, or direct sow outdoors from late May to June.

Sow seed at a depth of 2cm in 7.5cm pots of free-draining compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag until germination. 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. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions before planting outdoors in rich fertile, well drained soil in full sun at a distance of 90cm apart, or into large containers or grow bags.

TOP TIPS

A thick mulch of organic matter spread around the plants will help to conserve moisture at the roots.

Courgette plants usually fruit for many months, from early summer, sometimes through to the first frost. Pick the courgettes when they’re young and tasty, 10–12.5cm long. Regular harvesting, when the fruits are small, will encourage more to form.

Tromboncino will benefit from being able to climb up a structure, but are equally happy growing along the ground.