Attractive, dark green courgettes.

High yielding.

Delicious fried or with pasta or fish.

Sowing Time

Indoors: April - May

Outdoors: May - June

Sowing Indoors

Sow seeds individually on their edges in small pots of moist seed compost 2cm (1in) deep. Place in the warmth 15-18 degrees Celsuis (60-65 Fahrenheit) and cover the pots with cling film until seedlings emerge. Grow on under cool, light conditions.

Planting Out

Gradually accustom young plants to conditions outside for 2-3 weeks before planting out to their cropping positions when danger of frost has passed. Allow about 1m (40in) between plants.

Sowing Outdoors

Sow 2-3 seeds close together in a group 2cm (1in) deep. Allow 1m (40in) between groups. After germination, leave only the strongest seedling in each group, (you can plant the other seedlings elsewhere in the garden).

Aftercare

Water frequently, especially during dry spells. An organic fertiliser can help fruit production.

Harvest

July - October. Cut fruit when 10-15cm (4-6in) long. Regular harvesting prolongs the cropping season. Larger fruit can be left to grow and used as marrows.