Vegetable Seeds
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Giant Winter is an excellent late variety of leek, producing heavy thick stems that will stand in the ground for a long time.
Leeks make a tasty side dish to any meal, especially when sliced, boiled and topped with a cheese sauce.
When to Sow Giant Winter Leek Seeds
January to February under glass or March to April outdoors
Where To Sow
Early sowings can be made under glass. Sow the seed into pots or trays and cover the seed with a sprinkling of compost or vermiculite. For Outdoor sowings, sow the seed thinly, 1.5cm (1/2in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods.
What to do next
Once early sowings have germinated, transplant into individual pots and grow on under glass until April before moving to a cold frame to harden off before planting out at 25-30cm (10-12in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows. Outdoor sowings once large enough to handle, carefully lift plants and transplant to the same spacings as above using a trowel or dibber, and water in.
Maturity
October to March
Handy Tip
Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem. For larger leeks for kitchen or exhibition, increase the spacing to 30-45cm (12-18in) between the plants.
Nutritional Values
High in folic acid, potassium, pro-vitamin A and vitamin C.
Spring Onion Ishikura is a Japanese bunching type of onion. It produces long white stalks with short green tops which can be pulled when they are as thin as a pencil or as thick as a carrot. It doesn't form a bulb so looks almost like a young leek. It has a fine mild flavour to it which makes it ideal for salads or stir frys.
When to Sow Long White Ishikura Spring Onion Seeds
February to June.
Where to Sow
Early sowing can be made underglass in modules, sow 4-5 seeds per module on the surface of seed sowing compost and lightly cover with a sprinkling or vermiculite or compost , and place at a temperature of 14°C. Outdoor sowings can be made in April, sow seed thinly in shallow drills 1.5cm (1/2in) deep, with rows spaced 30cm (12in) apart.
What to do next
Greenhouse sown modules do not require thinning and can be moved to a cold frame in April to harden off before planting outside 7cm (3in) apart for clusters of salad onions. Outdoor sowings can be pulled and used as required .
Harvest
12 weeks after sowing.
Handy Tip
Ideal for successional sowing. As a quick to mature crop, sow inbetween slower growing vegetables saving space.
Nutritional Values
Antibacterial and antiseptic properties due to the beneficial sulphur compounds, also a good source of anti-oxidant. Also high in Vitamin C, calcium and iron.
Beauty Bell F1 produces large, thick walled square shaped fruits of dark green turning to brilliant red. They boast a good flavour and are very prolific.
These bell peppers are a great summer vegetable that can be eaten raw in salads but can also be cooked and used in many dishes such as stir fries and curries, or try them stuffed or roasted or simply chop and add to sauces.
As easy to grow as tomatoes and requiring much of the same treatment. Peppers can be grown outside, so long as they are in a sheltered sunny area, but best results are usually obtained when they are grown in a polytunnel or a glasshouse.
When to Sow Beauty Bell F1 Seeds
February to April
Where to Sow
Sow seed on the surface of a free draining compost in pots or trays and cover with a fine sprinkling of compost or vermiculite and place at a temperature 18-21°C until seeds germinate.
What to do next
Prick out seedlings when large enough to handle into 7cm (3in) pots and grow on underglass. Once plants reach 10cm (4in) high transplant into growbags or 25cm (10in) pots and grow on underglass. Feed once a week with tomato fertiliser once first fruits have set.
Maturity
Late July to October
Handy Tip
Green Peppers are immature fruits, but perfectly edible. They turn bright red and become sweeter as they mature.
Nutritional Values
High in vitamin C and beta carotene (pro-vitamin A).
The number one, best selling calabrese in the supermarket and perfect for gardeners. Has quality heads that stand well over a long period with outstanding flavour. Excellent disease resistance.
When to Sow Ironman Calabrese Seeds
April to May.
Where to Sow
Sowings can be made in trays or modules under glass at 13°C. Later sowings can be made into a seed bed in shallow drills 2cm (3/4") deep in short rows.
What to do Next
As soon as glasshouse calabrese seedlings show their first pair of leaves, prick off into trays 5cm (2") apart or thin modules to one seedling per cell. Gradually harden off before planting out, spacing plants with 45cm (18in) apart between plants and 45cm (18in) between the rows. Outdoor sowings should be thinned to 7-10cm (3-4in) apart, then once plants are 15cm (6in) tall, they can be lifted and transplanted to their final planting positions, spaced the same as detailed above.
Harvest
July to September.
Handy Tip
All brassicas prefer to be planted into firm, fertile ground to produce the best crops. Keep plants well watered during very dry weather especially as heads start to form.
Nutritional Values
A good source of iron and vitamins A and C.
The stalks of Golden Self Blanching are more yellow-green and not such a strong flavour as Giant White but a lot less work. This variety is ready from about August onwards, and as the name would suggest is a self blanching variety.
Celery is a popular salad vegetable with its crips sweet stalks, but is equally as delicious if braised or chopped in casseroles.
When to Sow Golden Self Blanching Celery Seeds
February to April.
Where to Sow
Sow the fine seed thinly in pots or trays under glass at 18°C. Sow the seeds on the top of moist seed sowing compost and lightly cover to their own depth.
What to do next
As soon as seedlings are large enough to handle, prick off into trays 5cm (2") apart. When seedlings are 6-7cm (3-4") tall, gradually harden off before planting out 20cm (9") apart once all risk of frost has passed. Water well throughout the growing season .
Maturity
August to November
Handy Tip
Celery requires very regular watering throughout the summer. Weak foliar feeding is beneficial.
Nutritional Values
High in sodium & potassium traditionally used as diuretic.
EXHIBITION.
Slightly larger than standard type parsnips, Gladiator F1 has a more refined shape of hybrid quality. The root has smooth white skin and is canker resistant.
Parsnip is a particularly British vegetable because of its winter hardiness. Thankfully it is now reviving as a popular choice thanks to more imaginative uses in cooking. Roast with your Sunday joint or par-boil, roll in flour and Parmesan cheese and roast, delicious!
When to Sow Gladiator Parsnip Seeds
Mid March to May
Where to Sow
Sow thinly direct into the growing site 2cm (¾") deep in rows 45cm (18in) apart. Try to choose a stone free tilth growing site. Parsnips can take up to 8 weeks to germinate depending on soil temperatures. You are better to delay sowings if soils are wet and cold.
What to do next
Do not transplant seedlings. As soon as seedlings appear, they should be gradually thinned until plants are 10cm (4in) apart. Hoe regularly, taking care not to damage the crown of the root.
Harvest
Mid March to May & December
Handy Tip
If growing for exhibition, wanting long straight roots, bore deep holes with a long bar and fill with a sandy compost mix and sow 2-3 seeds per station, then thin to the strongest seedling.
Nutritional Values
A good source of energy boosting carbohydrates and high in Vitamin C and Potassium.
A definite must for any summer salad. Rocket Salad boasts delicious peppery dark green leaves which are very simple to grow. The best way to grow this seed is to sow successionally and can be used as a cut and come again variety. Micro salad.
When to Sow Rocket Seeds
April to August.
Where to Sow
For baby leaves sow thinly from April to September, 0.5cm (1/4in) deep in rows 25-30cm (10-12in) apart. Sow seed in succession every 2-3 weeks for a continuous supply of fresh baby leaves.
What to do next
Keep soil moist and cut leaves from each plant leaving some leaves on each so they re-grow. You will often get 3-4 cuttings per plant.
Maturity
May to October
Handy Tip
Early sowings can be made in containers in a cold glasshouse. For micro salads sow every 7 days all year round in trays under glass or on a windowsill and harvest as seedlings to use as a garnish.
Nutritional Values
Rich in antioxidants.
Butternut Hunter is a British bred hybrid variety of butternut squash, developed for superior garden performance in the UK.
These produce early and prolific plants with good size fruits with sweet tasting bright orange inner flesh and a pale orange / tan colour skin. Each plant produces 6-7 fruit. Mature and ready to harvest 15 weeks from sowing.
When to Sow Butternut Hunter Squash Seeds
April to June.
Where to Sow
Sow seed on edge 1.5cm (1/2in) deep to prevent rotting in pots during April to May under glass at 20 degrees C using good quality seed sowing compost. Sow outdoors mid-May to June direct into growing site 1.5cm (1/2in) deep 2 to 3 seeds in each position 60cm (24in) apart.
What to do next
Gradually harden off greenhouse sowings once they have their first pair of rough leaves and transplant to growing site in late May to early June 60cm (24in) apart once all risk of frost has passed. Thin outdoor sowings to one plant per station.
Handy Tip
Young fruits can be peeled with a knife or potato peeler. Fully mature fruits become very hard and can only be cut into with a saw or a chopper and hammer.
Kings Say
A good source of vitamins B1 and E, and anti oxidants.
Produces exceptionaly tasting and high yielding carrots with uniform cylindrical shaped roots with rounded tips. Rich orange in colour with an extra sweet flavour. Excellent for late summer and ideal for exhibitors.
When to Sow Sweet Candle Carrot Seeds
April to June.
Where to Sow
Sow carrot seeds thinly direct into the growing site 2cm (¾") deep in rows 30cm (12") apart. If possible, sow carefully so that thinning is not necessary. This is because thinning can attract carrot flies.
What to do next
If you have to thin the seedlings, do so in the evening. Water before thinning and remove all the debris. Do not transplant carrots. Aim for roots 5-7cm (2-3") apart. Young Carrots can always be pulled alternately to 'thin as you eat'.
Maturity
July to November.
Handy Tip
A good variety for exhibition use. Try making holes with a bar, filling with sandy compost and sowing seeds at each station for large specimen carrots.
Nutritional Values
High in antioxidant beta-carotene which converts to vitamin A in the body.
An alternative to water cress, American or Land Cress does not need copious water as it is grown under normal conditions. It has a strong flavour like water cress. Sow the seeds 1cm deep in rows 30cm apart in March for summer use, in September for winter cuttings. This variety prefers a shady spot and watering in dry spells.
When to Sow American or Land Cress Seeds
March to July and September.
Where to Sow
Sow thinly direct into the growing site 1cm (1/2") deep in rows 30cm (12") apart. For baby cut & come again leaves sow at 15cm (6") between the rows. Early and autumn sowing will benefit from being covered by cloches.
What to do Next
When seedlings are large enough to handle thin out to 15cm apart. Water regularly during dry spells. Autumn sowings can be made under cloches or in containers in a cold frame or cold greenhouse for harvesting through the winter months.
Maturity
June to November.
Nutritional Values
Excellent source of Vitamins A and C, minerals Iron and Calcium.
Handy Tip
Prefers shady site. Pick as young leaves or whole plant. Sow at regular intervals to ensure a continuous supply of fresh young leaves.
Lettuce "All The Year Round" is a superb variety for spring, summer and autumn sowing in succession. Its a traditional favourite butterhead. They produce medium sized vegetables with a good flavour and nice crisp texture.
When to Sow All The Year Round Lettuce Seeds
February to July.
Where to Sow
Sowings can be made underglass, sow seeds into pots or trays of seed sowing compost at a temperature of 15-20C and lightly cover seeds with sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Alternatively sow seeds from April thinly along rows 1.5cm (1/2in) deep and 30cm (12in) apart direct in the vegetable plot.
What to do next
Sowings made underglass can be pricked out into individual pots or module trays and grown on until ready to harden off and plant out into the vegetable plot 30cm (12in) apart between the plants and the rows. Seedlings sown direct outside can be thinned once large enough to handle to 30cm (12in) apart. Thinnings can also be transplanted into other rows, watered in well during hot dry spells. Early and later sowings can benefit from cloche protection.
Maturity
10-12 weeks from sowing.
Handy Tip
Stands up to hot weather well and is hardy enough to sow in August under cloches or in a cold frame.
Nutritional Values
A good source of antioxidants such as beta-carotene, lutein and vitamin C as well as vitamin K and folic acid.
Lettuce seeds can be sown in modules. seed trays or direct into the growing site and thinned to the required spacings as soon as possible. Rows should be about 30cm apart and the seeds sown 1cm deep. Small lettuces can be spaced at 15-20cm distances, whilst large crispheads will need 30-35cm. Regular watering is essential especially the 7-10 days before maturity. Lettuces mature quickly, butterheads at about 10 weeks and crisphead and cos types at around 14 weeks. They will not stand for more than 5-7 days once mature before running to seed, so successful successional sowing or the use of the "cut and come again" types is required. Sowings begin in February under glass at 15°C followed by outdoor sowings under cloches until late autumn. Sowings for overwinter production uses cloches and glasshouse. Germination difficulties may be experienced in July and August as lettuce seed will go into dormancy if sown in very hot weather.
Long Green Bush 4 has all the attributes of Green Trailing but with a bush habit for more limited space. This variety produces large green fruits with a paler green stripe and is highly productive. This is an heirloom variety that wasin our 1918 catalogue.
Marrows can be cut before the first frost and stored in a frost free but cool area and used during the winter. However, unlike courgette the skin is tough and is either removed before cooking or just after. Raise and grow as courgettes.
When to Sow Long Green Bush Seeds
April to May under glass or May to June outdoors.
Where to Sow
Sow seed on edge 1.5cm (1/2") deep to prevent rotting in pots during April to May 2.5cm (1") apart under glass at 20°C (68°F) using good quality seed sowing compost. Sow outdoors mid-May to June direct into growing site 1.5cm (1/2") deep 2 to 3 seeds in each position 60cm (24") apart.
What to do next
Greenhouse sowings should be gradually hardened off once they have developed the first pair of rough leaves and transplanted to growing site in late-May to early-June 60cm (24") apart. Outdoor sowings should be thinned to one plant per station."
Maturity
July to October
Handy Tip
Marrows and courgettes prefer a deep humus soil for both the goodness and its water retention qualities.
Nutritional Values
A good source of Vitamins A, C and E.
Mooli is a delicious Japanese type of radish giving long white roots with a crisp, mild flavoured flesh. You can use peeled and sliced, or grated in salads or added to stir-fry cooking. This variety of radish has a good heat and disease resistance.
When to Sow Mooli Radish Seeds
June to September
Where to Sow
Sow mooli radish seeds thinly in shallow drills 1.5cm (1/2in) deep with 30-35cm (12-14in) between the rows. During hot weather water the base of the seed drills first before sowing seeds and covering with dry soil.
What to do next
Radish should not be transplanted . Gradually thin seedlings to 10cm (4in) apart and harvest as required when young roots are 10-12cm (4-5in) in length. For larger roots space 35cm (14in) inbetween the plants.
Harvest
July to November
Handy Tip
Mature roots should be lifted in autumn before any hard frosts and stored in boxes of sand in a cool place for use over the winter.
Nutritional Values
Rich in Vitamin C and potassium and contains beneficial sulphur compounds.
Not a fruit which is normally associated with British gardens, but given an early start and plenty of care, you can enjoy the delicious fresh taste of your very own water melons.
Sugar Baby produces small sweet watermelons of about 20cm in diameter averaging 4kg in weight. The skin turns almost black when ripe with a sweet red flesh within. The plants have a trailing habit so need a lot of room or training around and within pots.
When to Sow Sugar Baby Water Melon Seeds
February and May.
Where to Sow
Sow seed on edge to prevent rotting 1.5cm (1/2") deep in individual 9cm (3 1/2in) pots under glass at a constant day and night temperature of 21°C.
What to do next
When the plants are about 10cm (4") tall, plant out into final positions into large pots or growbags underglass. Plants have a trailing habit, so require plenty of space if growing on the ground of a polytunnel or provide some form of support and tie in stems as required.
Maturity
July to September
Handy Tip
Best grown in a polytunnel or glasshouse, but can be grown outside in a good summer, plant through black plastic so the soil remains warm.
Nutritional Values
A good source of Potassium, Vitamin A and Vitamin C.
A heavy cropper producing attractive and very tasty 15cm (6in) purple pods of superb quality. (Buff light brown seeds).
When to Sow Amethyst Dwarf Bean Seeds
April to March.
Where to Sow
Early sowings can be made under glass at a temperature of 16 degrees celcius, sow into 8cm (3") pots or modular trays filled with seed sowing compost. Outside sowings can be made from May onwards into the growing site 5cm (2") deep. Sow 2-3 seeds every 20cm (8") apart with rows spaced 45cm (18") apart.
What to do next
Seedlings sown under glass should be gradually hardened off before planting outside to the above spacing in late May once all risk of frost has passed. Direct sown seedlings can be thinned out as required. Water regularly during dry weather.
Maturity
July to September.
Compact bush type ideal for hanging baskets or patio containers. Deep red cherry fruits of exceptional flavour ripen early in northerly climates, producing a flush of ripe fruit over a 4-5 week period.
When to Sow Cherry Falls Tomato Seeds
January to April
Plant
April to June
Harvest
July to October
Where to Sow
Sow seeds under glass 0.5cm (1/4 in) deep in pots or trays of good seed sowing compost and lightly cover with a sprinkling of vermiculite or compost. Place containers in a propagator at a temperature of 18-21C.
What to do next
Prick out seedlings, once large enough to handle, into 9cm (3 1/2in) pots. Transplant to hanging baskets or containers. Plants have a bushy habit and do not require side shooting. Place outdoors once all risk of frost has passed. Water and feed plants regularly with a high potash feed once the first truss has set.
Handy Tip
Once stems become laden with fruit they can get quite heavy and may require a little support to prevent them breaking.
Type
Determinate - bush type, do not remove side shoots
Pumpkin Polar Bear F1 seeds produce extra-large white coloured pumpkins which retains their colour well after maturity. Although the outside is ghoslty white, which makes them great for displays and halloween decorations, their insides are a deep orange colour. Fruits can reach 15kg upwards! These prefer full sun and planted in raised bed or large pots / containers.
When to Sow Polar Bear Pumpkin Seeds
April to May Under glass or May June Outdoors
Where to Sow
Sow seed on edge 1.5cm (1/2") deep to prevent rotting in pots or trays during April to May 2.5cm (1") apart under glass at 20°C (68°F) using good quality seed sowing compost.
Sow outdoors mid-May to June direct into growing site 1.5cm (1/2") deep 2 to 3 seeds in each position 60cm (24") apart.
What to do next
Greenhouse sowings should be gradually hardened off once they have developed the first pair of rough leaves and transplanted to growing site in late-May to early-June 60-90cm (24-36") apart once all risk of frost has past. Outdoor sowings should be thinned to one plant per station.
Plant Out
May to June
Harvest
September to October
Handy Tip
Always grow pumpkins in a sunny spot in rich fertile soil. Water regularly once fruits start to swell.
An old Heirloom semi-dwarf variety approximately 60-70cm (24-28in ) tall, producing stout stems of closely spaced sweet sprouts, for picking over a long harvest period from November to January.
When to Sow Long Island Brussels Sprouts
March to April
Plant Out
April to May
Harvest
November to January
Where to Sow
Sow the seeds thinly in trays or two seeds per cell in modules under glass at 13°C. Later sowings can be made into a seed bed in shallow drills 2cm (3/4") deep in short rows.
What to do Next
As soon as glasshouse seedlings show their first pair of leaves, prick off into trays 5cm (2") apart or thin modules to one seedling per cell. Gradually harden off before planting out when about 15cm (6in) tall. Plant in beds 60cm (24in) between plants and 90cm (36in) between the rows. Outdoor sowings should be thinned to 7-10cm (3-4in) apart, then once plants are large enough, lifted and transplanted to their final planting positions, spaced the same as detailed above.
Handy Tip
Always plant sprouts in firmed soil to help prevent wind damage and to encourage tip buttons.
Crystal Lemon cucumbers may seem like an unusual variety. They are quite distinct round, pale lemon coloured fruits. Very vigorous and prolific. Considered more digestible by some connoisseurs as they have a mild, sweet taste. Best sown on an outdoor plot in full sun.
As well as being lemon coloured, they also grow to a similar size of lemons, rather than the traditional, long cucumber shape. They will be ready to harvest in approximately 8-11 weeks from sowing.
Half hardy annual
When to Sow Crystal Lemon Cucumber Seeds
April to May
Where to Sow
Sow seed on edge to prevent rotting. Sow into individual 9cm (3.5 inch pots) at 2cm (1/2") deep. Keep under glass at a constant day and night temperature of 21°C. Germinate takes between 7-21 days.
What to do next
As soon as the crystal lemon seedlings have formed 3 true leaves, transplant into 15cm (6") pots. When the plants are about 10cm (4") tall, plant out outdoors once hardened off and all risk of frost has past. Grow up against netting or allow to trail along the ground. Can also be cropped underglass, planted into large pots or growbags . Provide some form of support and tie in stems as required.
Maturity
August to September
Handy Tip
Fruits can produce small black spines on the outside skin so are best peeled before eating.
Nutritional Values
High water content, low in calories, high in potassium. Skin is rich in carotenoid antioxidant.
Sweet Florence is the old traditional variety of Fennel which is best used for later summer sowings when bolting is not normally a problem. It has a fine flavour and the leaves can be used as a herb in fish dishes etc.
When to Sow Sweet Florence Fennel
April to May
Where to Sow
Sow direct into vegetable plot , sow seeds thinly along rows 2cm (3/4in) deep and 30-45cm (12-18in) between the rows.
What to do next
Fennel does not like root disturbance so should not be transplanted. Thin seedlings as soon as large enough to handle to 25-30cm (10-12in) apart. Water well until plants are established. As the swollen stems start to develop, gradually build earth up around them to preserve the whiteness and flavour.
Maturity
Bulbs ready from September and October, Leaves can be used from July.
Handy Tip
The whole plant has a flavour, leaves for fish dishes, stems and bulbs raw in salads or braised as a vegetable.
Nutritional Values
Rich in antioxidant flavonoides and vitamin C as well as a good source of fibre.
A versatile variety that’s quick growing and suitable for sowing virtually all year round, outside during warmer months and undercover during colder months. Monterey has dark green leaves and a good resistance to downy mildew. Delicious added to mixed salads. Ideal replacement for Spinach Trombone.
When to Sow Monterey F1 Spinach Seeds
March to May or July to October
Harvest
May to June and August to December
Where to Sow
Direct into growing site, sow thinly in shallow drills 2cm (3/4in) deep with 30cm (12in) between the rows. For later sowings, some cloche protection may be required.
What to do next
As seedlings grow gradually thin out seedlings to 15cm (6in) apart. Water well during dry spells of weather to avoid premature bolting. Pick leaves as required.
Handy Tip
Pick when young and add raw baby leaves to salads. Pick leaves regularly whilst young and tender for a mild flavour
Celeriac seeds - Giant Prague
The roots of Giant Prague are globular with a slightly flattened base. With medium green foliage this variety stores well and is packed full of good flavour. Harvest from late September onwards. Celeriac is delicious if mashed together with potatoes.
When to Sow Giant Prague Celeriac
February to April
Where to Sow
Early sowings in trays under glass at 16-18°C. Later sowings in pots or trays in a cold frame or unheated glasshouse. Sow the seed onto the surface of moist seed sowing compost and lightly cover to its own depth.
What to do next
Heated sowings should be pricked off into trays 5cm (2") apart as soon as large enough to handle. Harden off before planting in growing site 30cm (15") apart. Do not plant until any danger of frost has passed. Outdoor sowings should be thinned before planting out in June. Cut off any side shoots leaving one centre stem of growth.
Maturity
October onwards
Handy Tip
When preparing for use, flesh will turn brown unless kept in a bowl of water with some lemon juice until required.
Nutritional Values
High in fibre, a good source of potassium. Rich in Calcium, Phosphorus and Vitamin C.
Sweetcorn Swift is a first early, extra tender variety which produces heavy cobs of superb sweet flavour and texture, with approximately 14 to 16 rows of delicious golden kernels. As this is a super sweet variety, it will need much more moisture to ensure successful germination. It is an easy to grow extra tender and sweet variety and has better vigour than most others.
Sweet Corn is a tender vegetable that needs a good summer to produce at its best. Given a sheltered spot and using early varieties, this delicious vegetable is now quite at home in northern counties. Sweet Corn is at its most tasty when cooked as close to picking time as possible.
When to Sow Sweet Corn Swift Seeds
April to May
Where to Sow
Early sowings can be made into pots or modules under glass at 21°C. Later sowings can be made direct into growing site, sowing 2 seeds per sowing station. Do not sow as a single row, sow in blocks spacing as detailed below.
What to do Next
Pot raised sweetcorn seedlings should be gradually hardened off in a cold frame before transplanting into the plot once all risk of frost has passed. Do not plant in rows, but plant in blocks, spacing plants 45cm (18") apart each way to aid pollination by wind.
When to Harvest Sweet Corn
Late August to September
Handy Tip
Cobs are ready to harvest when the end tassels turn brown. Delicious eaten straight from the plant or cooked with a little melted butter.
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Good source of vitamins A, B and C. Gluten-free and a good supply of fibre and protein.
Heavy yielding variety which is resistant to Cucumber Mosaic Virus. Deep green fruits are produced all summer long if cropped regularly. Bush habit.
The courgette is probably the most popular form of all the marrow family. Picked young it can be used in a host of delicious dishes; fried with garlic butter or stuffed!
When to Sow Defender Courgette Seeds
April to May indoors Mid May to June outdoors
Where to Sow
Sow courgette defender seeds on their edge at 1.5cm (1/2") deep to prevent rotting, in pots or trays during April to May 2.5cm (1") apart under glass at 20°C (68°F) using good quality seed sowing compost. Sow outdoors mid-May to June direct into growing site 1.5cm (1/2") deep 2 to 3 seeds in each position 60cm (24") apart.
What to do Next
Courgette seedlings which have been raised in a greenhouse should be gradually hardened off once they have developed the first pair of rough leaves and transplanted to the growing site in late-May to early-June. Space plants 60cm (24") apart. Outdoor sowings should be thinned to one plant per station. "
Maturity
July to October when fruits are approximately 10-15cm (4-6") long.
Handy Tip
Regular picking produces a crop over many months. Pick fruits when young to maintain a long cropping period.
Nutritional Values
A good source of vitamins A, C and E