Cucurbita pepo 'Syros'

Grow in a sunny spot in rich, well-drained soil. Enrich soil with well rotted horse manure or compost during the previous autumn or that spring. Courgettes prefer acidic to neutral soil so adjust pH if neccessary. Courgettes are thirsty and hungry plants so need regular watering and a feed every 10–14 days with a high potassium liquid fertiliser, such as tomato feed, once the first fruits start to swell. See courgette cultivation for futher information.

No pruning required. Regular harvesting extends cropping.

Propagate by seed. Sow indoors from April to May in pots, potting on when large enough to handle. Plant outside after hardening off and when risk of frost has passed. Alternatively sow directly outside late May to early June.

May be susceptible to slugs and snails.

Shows resistance to some Powdery mildews and viruses but may be susceptible to aphids, other Powdery mildews, downy mildews and grey moulds.