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Produce => Edible Plants => Topic started by: Stork on May 21, 2006, 14:05:30

Title: Courgettes in flower - shame they're still in pots!
Post by: Stork on May 21, 2006, 14:05:30
Hi all,

My courgettes are still in three inch pots but have suddenly burst into flower. They only have four leaves and are about five inches tall.

I sowed then in early March and they have been in an unheated greenhouse or hardening off outside when the rain isn't torrential.

Is there any point in planting them out now, or should I get some new ones on the go?

Stork.
Title: Re: Courgettes in flower - shame they're still in pots!
Post by: Jesse on May 21, 2006, 14:28:42
If they only have four leaves and still in pots I'd guess they're flowering due to stress. I don't see anything wrong with planting them out as they will produce more flowers, you could sow a few more seeds incase these ones prove to be weak and poor croppers.
Title: Re: Courgettes in flower - shame they're still in pots!
Post by: tim on May 21, 2006, 18:23:26
Pick off any flower/fruit & plant. Beware frost!
Title: Re: Courgettes in flower - shame they're still in pots!
Post by: Aussie Chick on May 21, 2006, 20:00:14
Is it not too late to plant seeds now?
Title: Re: Courgettes in flower - shame they're still in pots!
Post by: tricia on May 22, 2006, 00:39:53
No, courgettes grow rapidly if given a warm place for germination. Mine have been in the greenhouse with the door permanently open for at least two weeks now and are ready to plant out - when the wind and rain subside a bit! Two - Greyzini and Defender  - are already in large pots where they will be gently persuaded to grow upwards in a tidy fashion!!

Tricia
Title: Re: Courgettes in flower - shame they're still in pots!
Post by: caroline7758 on May 23, 2006, 13:18:23
I planted out three of my courgettes today, out of sheer frustration at not being able to plant anything! I've planted them through black plastic so the soil underneath wasn't as wet as elsewhere, but not sure they will survive if it goes cold again. I've got some spares if need be!