COURGETTE - COCOZELLE, organic seed, heirloom

Cucurbita pepo

A favorite and prolific Italian Heirloom variety introduced in 1885, producing beautiful light and dark green striped fruits on compact bush plants. Grown mainly due to its outstanding flavour they are best picked young and tender.  The fruit can be used as per marrows if left too long or at the end of the season.

• A sunny spot protected from strong winds is essential.
• The soil should be well drained and rich in humus, the more the better.
• For an early start (late Mar) place a single seed edgeways 1/2inch deep in seed compost in a 3inch pot. The critical part is temperature, these need at least 65F continuous soil temperature (preferably more to maximise germination rates) until germinated.
• Keep the soil moist – water copiously around the plants, not over them.
• Keep weed free to allow air circulation.
• Once the plants start to fruit, feed every 14 days with a tomato type fertilizer, these are greedy plants.