Cucurbita pepo 'Zucchini'
|Two zuchini courgettes picked young and still with flowers|
The Zucchini variety of courgette is a quick growing variety which produces typical dark green fruit.
|Sowing time (indoors)|
|Sowing time (outdoors)|
Sow seeds individually on edge in small pots of moist seed compost 2cm (1in) deep. Place in warmth 15-18°C (60-65°F). As seedlings develop, grow on under cool, light conditions, but not in bright sun.
Water sowing positions, then sow two or three seeds close together in a group 2cm (1in) deep. Allow 90cm (36in) between groups. After germination, leave only the strongest seedling in each group.
Gradually accustom young plants to conditions outside for 2-3 weeks before planting out to their final positions when danger of frost has passed. Allow about 90cm (36in) between plants.
Water frequently, especially during dry spells.
Cut fruits when about 10-15cm (4-6in) long. Regular harvesting prolongs the cropping season. Larger fruits can be left to grow and used as marrows.