Has anyone grown the climing courgette "Shooting Star"? I have not grown this type beofre and wondering what king of limbing frame is needed. Nets? Sticks?
:wave:
I am a bit surprised at this hyped up advertising as 'climbing courgette'. Trailing courgettes/marrows are well known and very old. To call these 'climbing' seems like money for old rope. They don't climb, cling to supports or do anything that a trailing courgette or squash would do differently. You have to tie them up or drape over a support and tie in.
There is a lot of advice on A4A on growing squash on supports and the same goes for this courgette. Except that the stems are only 4 ft long. They need the same strong supports, but shorter. A sturdy trellis nailed to a wall would do it, but it must be capable of holding the weight. A picket fence might work too or perhaps an ornamental metal garden obelisk.
No doubt you can grow them trailing just as well, no need to grow them upright. I am quite sure that a normal short courgette is easier to grow than this unless you let it trail on the ground. :wave:
This is what T&M say;
Courgette 'Shooting Star' has an upright, climbing habit that is well suited to growing in smaller gardens against a trellis of fence - tie the stems in regularly to help support the weight of the fruits. Grow them in groups of 3 to improve pollination and maximise your crop. Height: 120cm (47"). Spread: 60cm (24").
So in my opinion they want growing like Melons
I'm trying them this year but they have just germinated...
Yep, mine too. Should be interesting to see what they do. Had some bush type sent me from Lithuania = long white I think. Love trying new squash and courgette.s. Hope yours do well. :blob7:
Thank you so much for that. I will certainly give it a go. Its what did with the Japanese squash I grew last season - they did OK, although the family were not impressed with the cooked product - preferring crown prince. Can't get enough help when trying a new variety - and I am NO expert. Thanks again :toothy10:
Tried 'Black Hawk' before,also an alleged climbing variety, it didn't climb or even trail very much, when I tied it to a frame so didn't bother again!