- Unusual climbing variety
- Can be trained up a trellis or netting
- Ideal for small gardens
- Heavy crops of dark green fruits
An unusual climbing variety ideal for small gardens, Courgette ‘Black Forest’ produces a heavy crop of dark green fruits packed with vitamin C and antioxidants. This space-saving plant can be grown in a container and trained up a trellis or netting. Pick the courgettes regularly to encourage the plant to produce more.
Sow indoors
Sow seeds individually on edge in small pots of firm, moist seed compost 2cm (1in) deep. Place in the warmth 15-18°C (60-65°F). Keep moist. As seedlings develop, grow on under cool, light conditions, but not in direct sunlight.
Plant out
Gradually accustom young plants to outdoor conditions for 2-3 weeks before planting out to their cropping positions, after risk of frost has passed. Water and feed regularly. Provide support with trellis, netting etc for the climbing habit.
Sow outdoors
Water sowing positions, then sow two or three seeds close together in a group 2cm (1in) deep, 90cm (36in apart). After germination, leave only the strongest seedlings in each group. Keep well watered in dry spells.
Aftercare
Regular harvesting will encourage more courgettes to be produced. Culinary note: courgette flowers are edible and can be eaten cooked or added raw to salads.
Caution:
Extremely rarely, Courgettes may produce very bitter fruit that cause stomach upset. This can be tested by licking the cut surface of one fruit per plant; bitter fruit should not be eaten.