Baby Marrow
Cucurbita pepo 'Caserta'
Also known as
Zucchini, Murgpampoentjie (Afr.)
Full Sun
Easy care
Light watering
Tender
13b
USDA zone
18°C
Minimum temperature
Expected size
Height | Spread | |
|---|---|---|
50cm | Max | 50cm |
30cm | Min | 30cm |
Flowering
-
spring
-
summer
-
autumn
-
winter
This plant has no fragrance
Baby Marrow Overview
This is one of the most popular members of the squash family. Botanically, they are fruits but are used as a vegetable in cooking. The fruit is green, light or dark, and some come in a striped variation. The plant is a compact bushy vine. The golden flowers are to attract bees for pollination. The flowers are also edible and can be deep fried or stuffed. This plant is very easy to grow and requires little care beyond a deep watering once a week. It is best to pick the Zucchini when around 10cm long, and regular picking will encourage more to be produced. The plants produce both male and female flowers.
Common problems with Baby Marrow
Cucumber beetle and pumpkin fruitfly love the fruit.
Baby Marrow Companion Plants
Plant with flowers to attract insect as pollinators or with strong scented herbs to repel pests.
How to harvest Baby Marrow
Cut the zucchini from the vine with a sharp knife and use fresh or store in the refrigerator until ready to use.
How to propagate Baby Marrow
Seed
Wait until all danger of frost has passed or sow indoors in pots. Plant seeds 2cm deep in a sunny area in your garden. Once the plant emerges, mulch around it. Around 50 days after planting, blossoms will begin to appear.
Special features of Baby Marrow
Attracts useful insects
Bees are necessary to pollinate zucchini.
Pot plant
They can be grown very successfully in containers.
Attractive flowers
Attractive fruits
Other uses of Baby Marrow
Cullinary
Young fruit is prepared and eaten with skin. Flowers are edible too and a favourite in beer batter.