Growing Marrow

Cucurbitaceae : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S                
        P P            

(Best months for growing Marrow in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 90 - 120 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Onions, Sweetcorn
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
  • Young marrow

This is a large, well grown version of zucchini/courgette. Skin maybe light yellow or white. Grow on raised mounds of earth/compost. Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Powdery mildew can be a problem especially in humid weather.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Marrow

Good, cut in thick slices, seeds removed and stuffed with mince or spicy vegetable mix then baked in the oven.

Your comments and tips

Be the first to post a question or tip from the USA

Mike - my apology. I don't know how I missed your reply post. Re: The small yellow fruit that came off was the beginning of a marrow (I think?).On second thought - upon rereading your post, I have just realised that small,bulbous-like 'fruit' was a female plant and that, as you point out, it was not pollinated! Aha! A light comes on. So yes, that's what happened. What a vast difference between knowing and learning. We are on tight water restrictions (fortunate to have a drop of water!). I was using tank water in the afternoon although I have stopped the late afternoon watering.The leaves have improved 99% and marrows are forming which is so exciting. My one concern, perhaps, is that they might be adversely affected if they grow on the ground i.e. the ground resting side might soft,go brown and invite bugs/rot or something when they (prayerfully) reach that stage. Not sure what to do to help them.Watching them. When I water in the mornings should I water the foliage or just the ground? And will it be better to use sugar cane mulch? I am using dry leaves and grass cuttings (from when drought had not hit so hard). Thankyou for your post.Appreciated.

- Jane

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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