Growing Marrow

Cucurbitaceae : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

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

(Best months for growing Marrow in Australia - tropical regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings
  • 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

Your comments and tips

Post a comment or question Display Newest first | Oldest first, Show comments for Australia | for all countries
30 Jun 10, Natalie (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
New Gippsland Seeds and Bulbs. 15 seeds cost 3.50.
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27 Jun 11, Paddy (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
where are marrow seeds available?
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17 Jan 12, CHEV (Australia - temperate climate)
I've been trying to find marrow seeds for years. If you get some let me know please.
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21 Nov 12, Brian West (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Where in Australia can I buy marrow seeds please.
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21 Dec 12, Granny Peg (Australia - temperate climate)
Marrows are over grown zucchini's. Let Zucchinis grow and you will have marrows. Good lck
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18 Mar 14, Leonard (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Hello Brian West, seeds can be bought from Horsley Park (Sydney suburb). I was told to plant inaug/Sept and ready in Feb.
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30 Dec 12, ray malone (Australia - temperate climate)
where can i obtain marrow seeds? i live on central coast n.s.w.thanks ray malone
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31 Dec 12, (Australia - temperate climate)
Eden Seeds had marrow seed available from their online shop
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15 Jan 13, TimJones (Australia - cool/mountain climate)
I got some beauties on Ebay from the UK store called proseedsofspalding
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12 Jan 14, Gill Blackford (Australia - tropical climate)
A marrow is NOT an over grown zucchini, they are members of the same genus, but different plants. I live in England, and use marrows a lot in August - December. I have a family member in Q L D, and visit every year. Would like to grow some while I'm there, but can not find any seeds!!
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Showing 11 - 20 of 63 comments
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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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