Growing Marrow

Cucurbitaceae : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
    S S                
        P P            

(Best months for growing Marrow in USA - Zone 5a regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • P = Sow seed
  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 68°F and 95°F. (Show °C/cm)
  • Space plants: 35 - 47 inches apart
  • Harvest in 12-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Onions, Sweetcorn
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes
  • Young marrow

This is a large, well grown version of zucchini/courgette. Skin maybe light yellow or white. Grow on raised mounds of earth/compost. Mulch to retain moisture and reduce weed growth.

Powdery mildew can be a problem especially in humid weather.

Culinary hints - cooking and eating Marrow

Good, cut in thick slices, seeds removed and stuffed with mince or spicy vegetable mix then baked in the oven.

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for USA | for all countries
11 Jul 09, jackie (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
approx how many marrows do you get from a single seed?.
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24 Aug 10, Amanda (Australia - temperate climate)
Just the one plant from a single seed.
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15 Jan 10, norsman (Australia - temperate climate)
Where in Australia can I get marrow seeds from? You know, the big ones. I want to make some marrow rum as well as eat them.
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09 Feb 10, mel (Australia - temperate climate)
how long will it take to harvest marrow
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09 Feb 10, Liz (New Zealand - temperate climate)
Mel, harvest will take about 12 - 16 weeks from seed sowing
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02 Mar 10, Monica (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I've tried to grow Spaghetti Marrow, was succesful with lots of greenery, strong vines and even flowers, but they just fell off without bearing any fruit at all! why?
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04 Mar 10, Gerry (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
Monica, this is usually due to poor pollination (it happens with Zucchinis too). Growing more than one plant can help or you shake the flowers or even hand pollinate with a small paintbrush once every few days (just wiggle it round inside the flower then move on to the next flower, etc).
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04 Mar 10, Terry (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
I found a great video that addresses this problem at www.thegardenguru.com.au (look for it under zucchini)
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16 Mar 10, "a desperate subscriber" (Australia - temperate climate)
How do I obtain some marrow seeds in Australia?
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30 Jun 10, Daniel (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Great question - I have been looking too. If you get an answer I would love to hear about it. :)
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Showing 1 - 10 of 66 comments
See comments for all plants

Australian Marrow varieties, like Zuccini are all from the Pepo family of pumpkins. Female flowers will have a tiny immature fruit at the base, while male flowers will end at the stem. Its normal for the first flush of flowers to be male only. This attracts bees to the plant before it puts energy into female flowers. You can hand pollinate by plucking a male flower, stripping the petals and then brushing the pollen on the stamen across the female flower's stigma. Marrow varieties still sold in Australia are Australian White, Cowlard Greens, Long Green Bush, Long Green Bush II, Giant, & Melbourne Cream. Australian White & Melbourne Cream may date back to World War II at least. If the squash you are growing is Cucuzza, an old mediterranean variety of gourd, then you will need to seek advice from someone else. The good news is Cucuzza seed is not rare, it is available from Eden Seeds, The Seed Collection and several other online seed stores.

- Ken

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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