Squash Grillers Mix - Green/ Cream/ Gold
As the name implies, this colourful mix of summer squash are perfect for grilling or barbecuing. Bushy, open plants produce superb yields of oval fruits with a lovely mix of green, grey and yellow skins. Best known as Courgettes in the UK, these tasty Summer Squash have firm flesh that can be easily sliced to add a splash of colour to your plate. Height: 45cm (18"). Spread: 150cm (59").
Sow squash seed indoors from April to May for transplanting later on. Sow squash seeds on their sides in small 7.5cm (3") pots of seed compost at a depth of about 2cm (¾"). Place in a propagator or seal pots inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) until germination which takes 5-7 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination. Once germinated, grow squash on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and squash plants are large enough to be transplanted outdoors. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting squash outdoors in warm, well drained, humus rich soil in full sun,. Choose a spot that receives at least 6 hours of direct sun per day.
Alternatively direct sow squash seeds outdoors from May once the soil has warmed at a depth of 2cm (¾") and a distance of 90cm (36") apart. Sow 2 seeds per hole and thin out the weakest seedling per station after germination. Ideally grow under cloches until squash plants are established.
Water summer squash regularly - do not allow the soil to dry out as this will impair their development. Hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing. Summer Squash appreciate an application of a high potash fertiliser every two weeks during the growing season. Hand pollinating courgettes is not usually required when they are grown outdoors. However, for indoor cultivation the female flowers can be fertilised by pressing a male flower against them. Begin harvesting from midsummer onwards when they are 10cm (4") long. Regular harvesting will encourage more fruits to be produced.