A heavy cropping, striped courgette zucchini vegetable seeds. Position: full sun Soil: fertile, moisture retentive Rate of growth: average Hardiness: half-hardy annual Attractively striped fruits with raised green ridges, a productive, bushy plant with early, medium sized fruits having a distinct, almost nutty flavour and firm texture. Producing up to 5kg of fruit per plant, the courgettes of 'Striato d'Italia' are best eaten before 10 inches (25cm) in length. Growing instructions From late March, sow two seeds to a 10cm pot in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill and keep above 65F (18C) until germination, which usually takes between 3 and 10 days. Pot on seedlings as they grow, keeping them well-watered and warm, then harden off and plant out in soil, enriched with organic matter, in a sunny, sheltered spot after all threat of frost has passed. Protect plants from slugs and water thoroughly in dry spells. Once the plants start to fruit, feed every 14 days with a liquid 'tomato type' fertiliser. Sow: April to June Harvest: July to September
