Courgette Black Forest F1 is a climbing variety that takes up much less space than other varieties. Black Forest F1 can be guided upwards along a fence, trellis, climbing frame or lattice. It grows in height and not in width. However, this species does need help. Bind the plant using, for example, twine as extra support while climbing. This allows anyone who does not grow courgettes due to lack of space to grow this delicious, tasty, healthy and versatile vegetable themselves. It can easily be grown in pots on balconies. So you do not necessarily need a vegetable garden to grow courgettes. Because of its compact size, it can also be grown in small vegetable gardens.
Courgettes are a very versatile and healthy vegetable that can be prepared in many different ways. Courgettes can be boiled, grilled, baked, fried, roasted, stewed, stuffed and finally very young, small courgettes (up to about 10 cm) can also be prepared raw. You can also stuff the male flowers of the courgette with, for example, goat's cheese, coat them in Tempura batter and then deep-fry. Delicious as an appetizer or snack. In short, courgette is a versatile, healthy and tasty vegetable that is well worth growing yourself. You can also make delicious soup with courgettes or shave the courgettes into long, thin slices and make a vegetarian vegetable lasagne. Because this variety takes up little space, requires little maintenance and can easily be grown in large pots, it is a vegetable variety that can be grown by anyone. Non-hardy annual.
Indoor sowing: late March - April
Outdoor sowing: late May - June (avoid frosts)
Germination: 7 - 14 days
Germinationtemp.: 20 - 22 °C
Sowing depth: 1 - 1½ cm
Plant distance: 1 meter
Plant position: sunny/sheltered
Harvest period: July - September
These plants need a continious soil temperature to ensure the best germination. The temperature must be at least 20 °C. Sow late march 1 seed sideways 1-1½ cm deep in individual pots with good sowing soil and cover with a layer of soil. Put these pots away in a propagator or heated greenhouse at at least 20 °C. Keep moist, but not waterlogged, to prevent the seeds from rotting. Lower the temperature a bit when the seeds have germinated. Harden the seedlings for 10 - 14 days of to outdoor conditions (avoid frosts), before transplanting them outdoors on a sunny plot with shelter against the wind.
Sow outdoors from late may (avoid frosts) in a well fertilized seedbed on a sunny and sheltered spot. Sow 3 seeds per hole 1-1½ cm deep and at least 1 meter apart. Cover the seeds with sowing soil. Thin to the strongest when the seedlings are large enough to handle.
Courgettes are greedy plants. Give every 14 days some liquid tomato type fertilizer when the fruits are starting to grow. They also need support and protection against slugs, snails, birds and other pests. Water around the plants and not over them to prevent the fruits from rotting.
Pick the courgettes while young and tender and pick regularly to ensure the growth of more fruits all season long. Harvest by cutting them with a knife and leave a bit of the stem on the fruit to prevent it from rotting. Some people can be allergic to the tiny bristles on courgette leaves, wearing gloves can help to prevent allergic reactions.
