The Italian Gardener

This is a big plant, as are most Italian zucchini and is a good producer of grey/green fruit with very prominent ribs and an excellent flavour. Produces lots of flowers over a long season. The favourite of the River Café and Jamie Oliver. Can be used with pasta, in soups, and as antipasti.

Can be transplanted for an early crop, but you need to be careful not to disturb the roots. Set 4-5 seeds 1.5cm deep in a 15-20cm pot 3 weeks before set out date (last frost date). Thin to 2-3. Set out at 1m spacing in rows 2m apart. For direct seeding, sow 4-5 seeds/m , thin to 2-3. Keep well watered until germination (5-10 days). 55 days to produce fruit.