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Probably the hottest tasting wild rocket! Wildfire has broader leaves than traditional wild rocket and its robust upright habit helps to keep the deep green, serrated leaves clean.. The leaves pack a powerful punch with an exceptional, intense flavour.Sow thinly, 13mm(1/2in) deep in drills 45cm (18in) apart in soil that has been raked to a fine tilth. When large enough to handle, thin seedlings to 15cm (6in) apart and use as 'baby leaves'. Must be kept well watered or will run to seed and be inedible.Harvest young leaves as required., picking only a few from each plant. Pinch out flower buds to prolong cropping into winter if given protection by cloches.
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Related to broccoli and Brussels sprouts, baby kale leaves are rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals and taste great too! This attractive mix of leaves makes a great salad or can be enjoyed lightly steamed with a variety of dishes.Sow very thinly, 13mm (½in) deep, in pots of multipurpose compost on the windowsill, larger containers on the patio, or sow in drills 23cm (9in) apart in the garden.Thin seedlings, when large enough to handle, to 6mm (¼in) apart, to minimise overcrowding or spindly seedlings. If sown in the garden, keep weed free and water well during dry periods. Harvest a few leaves from each plant regularly.
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Two exceptionally fine flavoured varieties the result of 15 years of breeding. The textured ruffled leaves of Emerald Ice and Midnight Sun develop a striking contrasting centre as they mature and have the sweetest flavour - even the leaf stalks taste like candy and hold the crispiest texture.Sow in individual pots or a seed tray of good seed compost and cover with 6mm (1¼in) of compost or vermiculite, at a minimum of 15°C (60°F), until germination which takes around 5-7 days. Alternatively, can be sown thinly in a prepared seedbed 12mm (½in) deep, allowing 30cm (12in) between rows.Transplant when large enough to handle, about 5 weeks from sowing, to 50cm (20in) between plants each way. Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Fleece against caterpillar and aphid as necessary, and net against pigeons during the winter.
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Textured and ruffled leaves develop a striking contrasting white centre as they mature. Leaves have a very sweet flavour, even the leaf stalks are sweet and have the crispest texture. Ideal used for multiple cuts prolonging the harvesting period.SOWING INSTRUCTIONS: Sow indoors in trays or small pots. Grow on and transplant when seedlings are between 6-8 weeks old, planting out 50cm (20in) between plants each way.GROWING INSTRUCTIONS: Alternatively, sow from April to June, direct into a finely raked seedbed at a depth of 1cm, germination takes 7-14 days. Transfer when large enought to handle leaving 50cm (20in) between plants each way. Water well if the soil is dry. Grows best in beds which have had manure added the previous autumn. Plants become more white coloured over the colder months.
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This beautiful kale mix produces vibrant pink to red and ivory white fan-shaped leaves with highly frilled edges. Delicious and nutritious when steamed as with traditional green kale; leaves can also be used as an attractive garnish or to brighten salads.Sow in individual pots or in a seed tray of good quality seed compost and cover with 6mm (¼in) of vermiculite or compost and maintain at a minimum temperature of 15?C (60?F) until germination which takes 5-7 days. Alternatively, seed can be sown thinly 12mm (½in) deep in a prepared seedbed outside, allowing 30cm (12in) between rows.Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle after about 5 weeks from sowing to 50cm (20in) between rows and 40cm (16in) between plants in the row. Plant firmly and keep well-watered until established. Use fleece to protect against caterpillar and aphid attack as necessary, and use netting to protect against pigeons during the winter.
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Visually stunning and very versatile kale variety which can be enjoyed when young as baby leaves or left to mature to produce distinctive wine red, curled-edged larger leaves. The high iron content of the leaves can be digested even when eaten raw - unlike spinach. Delicious and nutritious whether eaten cooked or raw.Sow very thinly 13mm (½in) deep in pots of multipurpose compost on the windowsill, larger containers on the patio, or sow in drills 23cm (9in) apart in the garden.Thin to 7cm (3in) for ‘baby leaf’, to 20cm (8in) for larger plants and to 38cm (15in) for fully mature plants. Transplant module raised plants to 38cm (15in) apart. For ‘baby leaf’ sow October to February under glass or March to September outdoors for all year harvest. For mature plants, sow April to June outdoors for harvest July to November. Keep well watered throughout the growing period to avoid bolting and flavour loss, especially during summer.Delicious added to salads, stir fries or steamed.
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An eastern European variety with highly decorative red veined leaves intensifying in colour as winter approaches. Mature plants show excellent winter hardiness. Kale supplies fresh greens at a time when the vegetable plot can look rather bare.Sow seed thinly in a well prepared seedbed, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart.Transplant when large enough to handle, about 5 weeks from sowing to 50cm (20in) between plants each way. Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Fleece against caterpillar and aphid as necessary, and net against pigeons during the winter.
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Popular and nutritious Kalettes® combine the best characteristics of kale and Brussels sprouts. Producing attractive rosettes of loose, frilly-edged buttons, this winter hardy favourite of savvy foodies and chefs has a sweet and nutty taste. Try it steamed, in stir fries or chopped raw in salads for a healthy hit of vitamins and other nutrients.Place seed in 7.5cm (3in) pots or a seed tray of a good free-draining seed compost and cover with a 6mm (¼in) layer of vermiculite. Place in a propagator or seal in a polythene bag at a temperature of around 15°C (59°F) until after germination, which takes up to 7 days.Transplant when large enough to handle about 5 weeks from sowing, to 60cm (24in). Plant firmly and keep well watered until established. Fleece against caterpillar and aphid as necessary, and net against pigeons during the winter.
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"Attractive, purple-skinned roots with pure white, succulent flesh, best eaten when golf ball size, although the flesh still remains succulent and bitter free when roots are larger. Easy to grow, quick to mature in under 8 weeks from sowing. Plants have a neat, compact growth making them ideal for early sowings under cloches or fleece. Prefers well-drained, moist, rich soil in full sun. A rich source of the provitamin A, vitamins C and K and folate as well as the antioxidant carotenoids b-carotene and lutein."Sow March to July, at 4 week intervals. Sow thinly, 12mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart.Thin seedlings to 7cm (3in) apart for small bulbs, or 1-15cm (4-6in) for larger bulbs. Keep moist at all times for the most succulent roots and to minimise woodiness, bitter flesh and bolting.
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New breeding has led to these 2-3kgs bulbs which remain tender, non-woody and full of flavour raw or cooked. Tasty ‘eat all’ vegetable. Resists bolting.Sow in individual pots or a seed tray of good seed compost and cover with 6mm (¼in) of compost or vermiculite. Maintain at a temperature of 15°C (60°F) until germination which will take around 7-10 days. Alternatively, seeds can be sown thinly, 12mm (½in) deep, in a prepared seedbed.SERVING SUGGESTION: Slice mature roots for batons or fry lightly in batter or breadcrumbs for fritters. High in vitamin C and antioxidant content.
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Indispensable salad plant, regularly included in mixed salad leaves in supermarket packs. The rich green, soft textured, slightly nutty but mild flavoured leaves are rich in vitamin A, B and C and also iron, potassium and other nutrients.Sow thinly, 1cm (1/2in) deep in broad drills 30cm (12in) apart.Thin seedlings as necessary to 5cm (2in) apart when large enough to handle, thinnings will be suitable for using in salads. Keep watered during spells of dry weather.
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Performs outstandingly whether sown early or late and does well over a long season. Leek Autumn Giant 2 Argenta matures in October, yet stands ready for harvest right through to May, giving high quality, thick, long and very heavy stems, of excellent mild flavour and yield with few bolters. NIAB Recommended.Leeks prefer ordinary well drained soil in sun or semi shade and can follow early peas or potatoes. Sow seeds in early spring outdoors in a well prepared seed bed. Sow seeds thinly 1cm (½ inch) deep in drills 23cm (9inches) apart.In early summer lift the seedlings carefully and plant 15 to 38cm (6 to 15 inches) apart, making 15cm (6 inches) deep holes and inserting seedlings as far as the first leaf. Then fill the hole with water NOT SOIL. Earth up the stems as growth develops
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The ideal leek for extra hardiness in winter, Leek ‘Blauwgroene Herfst- Murcia’ is a variety that can be harvested from October through to January. For best results, plant out from mid-June to mid-July and earth up from late August to help to increase the length of the tasty stems.Sow indoors 4-5 seeds in 5cm (2in) pots or used vending cups, or very thinly in a seed tray of good quality seed compost. Cover with 6mm (¼in) of vermiculite or compost, and maintain at a temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F) until germination. Outside, sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant from mid-June to mid-July to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem.
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An excellent pale green leaved variety for gardeners and cooks who want long, slender, bulb free stems for summer and early autumn dishes. Tall plants which will benefit from additional ‘earthing up’, can be ready for harvesting mid-July to October before Leek rust strikes. Not a winter hardy variety.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of blanched stem.Delicious baked in a rich cheese sauce. Has the benefit of a green vegetable and a mild onion. High in folic acid, potassium, pro-vitamin A and vitamin C. Contains beneficial sulphur compounds as well as a potent antioxidant called quercetin.
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If you’re looking for a strong growing autumn variety of leek with long white stems that resist becoming ‘bulby’ then Leek ‘Mercurian F1’ is ideal for you. An upright, non-drooping leaf habit allows for good air circulation which minimises the risk of mould or infection.Sow indoors 4-5 seeds in 5cm (2in) pots or used vending cups, or very thinly in a seed tray of good quality seed compost. Cover with 6mm (¼in) of vermiculite or compost, maintaining a temperature of 15-20°C (59-68°F) until germination. Outside, sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant from May to July to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem.
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Leek Musselburgh Improved is a very hardy and exceptionally fine strain of this popular mid season variety.Leeks prefer ordinary well drained soil in sun or semi-shade and can follow early peas or potatoes. Sow seeds in early spring outdoors in a well prepared seed bed. Sow seeds thinly 1cm (½in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart.In early summer lift the seedlings carefully and plant 15x38cm (6x15in) apart, making 15cm (6in) deep holes and inserting the seedlings as far as the first leaf. Then fill the hole with water NOT SOIL. Earth up the stems as growth develops and harvest
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A visually stunning leek with great flavour. This British-bred maincrop leek variety shows excellent winter hardiness, allowing for harvests through December to March. The blue-green leaves turn a stunning shade of purple as the coldest winter temperatures set in.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth.Carefully lift when plants are large enough to handle and transplant to 23-25cm (9-10in) apart in the row and 45cm (18in) between rows, using a trowel or dibber, and water in. Keep watered during dry weather. Earth up the stems during the growing season to increase the length of the blanched stem.
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Perfect variety for planting out in September under a cloche or in a cold greenhouse. It will reliably provide tasty and delicious hearts during winter. Produces large, tight hearts perfect for salads and sandwiches.Autumn sowings should be grown under cloches or in a cold greenhouse for overwintering. Sow seeds thinly at a depth of 13mm (½in) in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Make regular sowings for a constant supply. Can also be started off in modules or seed trays.When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart and cover with a protective netting or fleece to prevent attack from birds and insects.
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Extend your lettuce harvesting season with this outstanding ‘iceberg type’ variety. Resistance to tipburn, bolting and downy mildew means that Antartica stands well in good condition. The dense hearts, with plenty of crunchy flavour, are ideal for summer salads.Sow thinly at regular intervals, 12mm deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart.Thin seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart when large enough to handle. Water well during dry periods.Water lettuce frequently and hoe between plants regularly to prevent weeds from establishing. Dry weather may cause heads of lettuce plants to bolt so watering is particularly critical during the 2 weeks before harvesting. A thick mulch applied around the plants will help to retain moisture in the soil. Harvest lettuce when required by pulling up the entire plant before trimming off the stem with a knife.
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A fine lettuce known for its exceptional cold resistance and bred solely for autumn sowings. Lettuce Arctic King is a large lettuce, light green in colour, with tasty, crinkled leaves.Sow seeds thinly in late summer and autumn 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 23-30cm (9-12in) apart. A moist well drained soil which has had plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing and to make sowings during the early afternoon.Thin out gradually to 23-3cm (9-12in) apart.Harvest when the head feels firm when gently pressed. Harvest in spring (usually May). In cold winter areas cloche protection should be given. Unsuitable for spring and summer sowings.
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Versatile and easy-to-grow variety with continual harvests as a ‘picking lettuce’. Attractive and voluminous lettuce with shiny green leaves offering an excellent level of resistance to downy mildew and lettuce leaf aphid.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods.When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart. Harvest as and when required.
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Here is a high quality crisp head lettuce with small compact heads which are just the right size for the home gardener. The solid, crisp and tasty heads of Lettuce Lakeland are quick to mature and slow to bolt. Recommended for harvesting in succession from spring to July. Lettuce Lakeland can also be sown in October in cold frames or the cold greenhouse for cutting in early May."Sow seeds thinly from late winter to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart. A moist well drained soil which has had plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it's best to water the soil before sowing and to make sowings during the early afternoon.Lettuce Lakeland can also be sown in the autumn in a cold greenhouse to over winter for an early spring harvest. Provide good ventilation and water carefully to avoid splashing the leaves."Thin out gradually to 3cm (12in) apart.Harvest when the head feels firm. Pick on the young side to ensure maximum sweetness and flavour.
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A separately packaged collection, Salad Leaves Mixed provides different types, colours and textures and a longer harvest from one sowing. Salad Leaves Mixed is ideal for small gardens, providing a great selection in a small space."Sow seeds thinly from spring to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart. A moist, well drained soil which has had plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing, and to make sowings during the early afternoon.Sow seeds in early autumn for overwintering."Thin out gradually to 3cm (12in) apart.Harvest when the head feels firm when gently pressed.
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One of the earliest varieties to mature. Lettuce Little Gem produces small compact plants which are packed with a crisp sweet heart and little outside leaf. Lettuce Little Gem is very useful for cloches too."Sow seeds thinly from spring to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart. A moist well drained fertile soil which has had plenty of compost dug in the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing and sow during the early afternoon.An early spring sowing under cloches will provide a really early crop."Thin out gradually to 23cm (9in) apart.
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An excellently flavoured Italian lettuce of the type used in salads and also in many other dishes as a tasty garnish. Lettuce Continental Looseleaf Lollo Rossa is compact, non hearting with a rosette of finely frilled leaves with deep red edge. Lollo Rossa is very easy to grow and attractive in gardens, tubs, containers etc and in the salad.Sow seeds thinly from spring to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 23cm (9in) apart. A moist, well drained, fertile soil which has had plenty of compost dug in the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing and sow during the early afternoon.Thin out gradually to 23cm (9in) apart.To harvest don't pull the whole plant - be selective - go down the row choosing only the largest, tenderest leaves. This way it will continue to replace itself the whole season.
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Lettuce Moonred is a small and compact romaine-type lettuce with lovely burgundy-coloured outer leaves and a lighter green centre. Its glossy crisp leaves are perfect for salads and sandwiches. Ideally suited to growing in pots, containers and window boxes.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water ground regularly, especially during dry periods.When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 23cm (9in) apart. Harvest as and when required. High downy mildew resistance.
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Delightful dark red incurved leaves with attractive contrasting green centres. Saxo can be sown in small amounts throughout the growing season from spring through to autumn as a ‘picking lettuce’. Excellent level of resistance to downy mildew and lettuce leaf aphid.Sow thinly, 1cm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart in soil which has been raked to a fine tilth. Water regularly, especially during dry periods.When large enough to handle, thin out seedlings to 30cm (12in) apart. Harvest as and when required.
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The smallest lettuce. A compact, solid butterhead type with deliciously soft leaves just right for small families or restricted space. Lettuce Butterhead Tom Thumb can be grown as close as 15cm (6in.) apart and makes a useful early crop in a cold frame or cloches. Very fast growing, from an early spring Butterhead Tom Thumb will be the first variety to harvest.Sow seeds thinly from March to late April 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 15cm (6in) apart. A moist, well drained, fertile soil which has had plenty of compost dug in the previous autumn is best.As soon as the seedlings are large enough to handle, thin out gradually to 15cm (6in.) apart.To test whether the heads are ready to harvest, press them gently with the back of the hand, they will feel solid and barely yield to pressure.
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A reliable, simple, productive and space-saving method which can be tailored to your weekly requirements. Early sowings of Lettuce Valamaine should mature in about 60 days, mid-season sowings in about 40 days. Lettuce Valamaine is specially chosen because the young leaves have no bitterness.For a continuous supply sow seeds at 7 day intervals from early April to mid May and again during August. Sow seeds 1cm (½in) deep in rows 13cm (5in) apart, allowing approximately 14-16 seeds per foot of row.Adjust row lengths to suit your family's need. Harvest when the leaves have reached a satisfactory size leaving 1-2½cm (½-1in) of stem. Clear all surface rubbish, water, and growth will commence in one to two weeks.
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Still the premier garden lettuce in most people's vegetable patch. Iceberg Lettuce Webbs Wonderful has large, wrinkled leaves with a big tight centre of crisp, white leaf. An outstanding Iceberg Lettuce whether the summer is wet or dry, Webbs Wonderful is always slow to run to seed.Sow seeds thinly from spring to mid summer 6mm (¼in) deep in drills 38cm (15in) apart. A moist well drained soil which has had plenty of compost during the previous autumn is best. In very hot weather it is best to water the soil before sowing and to make sowings during the early afternoon.Thin out gradually to 3cm (12in) apart.Harvest when the head feels firm when gently pressed. The heads keep well in a fridge if they are wrapped in polythene film.
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A tall growing variety with red leaf nodes and lovely mauve flowers followed by deliciously sweet pale golden-yellow, crisp pods. Best picked regularly before the peas swell in the pods, ideal steamed whole or added to stir fries. Mangetout Golden Sweet grows to 210cm (7ft) so needs support.Sow seeds March to June, every 10 days to ensure successional crops. Sow seeds 5cm (2in) apart, 5cm (2in) deep and in rows 75cm (30in) apart.Plants are tall growing and needs support using pea & bean netting or canes.Water plants regularly, especially when in flower as this will improve the crop. Start picking pods just as the peas inside start to form, regular picking will encourage further cropping and improve the flavour.
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British breeding of the first purple Mangetout. The purple colour is rich in healthy anthocyanin (antioxidant) pigment. Attractive bicoloured flowers form stunning flat, purple Mangetouts to eat raw and stir fry. Can also be steamed although colour will fade, or boiled when colour turns dark green. As with all Mangetouts they are best harvested and eaten young just as the ‘peas’ start to show. Powdery mildew resistant and tolerant to downy mildew to help extend the sowing season to early July.Sow every 10 days to ensure successional crops. Sow seed 5cm (2in) apart, 5cm (2in) deep and in rows 75cm (30in) apart.Water plants regularly, especially when in flower as this will improve the crop. Start picking pods just as the peas inside start to form, regular picking will encourage further cropping and improve the flavour.
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A high-yielding semi leafless variety, needing no support when grown in a block. These plants produce extended crops of crisp, straight dark green flat pods around 9cm (31?2in) in length. Pick regularly just as the peas show in the pod – flowers will just keep coming.Sow every 10 days to ensure successional crops. Sow 5cm (2in) deep in flat-bottomed drills spacing about 2.5-5cm (1-2in) apart, and in rows 75cm (30in) apart.Water plants regularly, especially when in flower as this will improve the crop. Start picking pods just as the peas inside start to form, regular picking will encourage further flowering.
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Outstanding performance in trials. Strong roots and vigorous habit provide good constitution throughout a summer heatwave. Produces a mass of flowers over a long season followed by dark green, predominantly stringless, sweet flavoured pods. Harvest regularly whilst pods are flat; 22mm (¾in) across x 10cm (4in) long. Powdery mildew resistance allows successional sowings to later in the summer."Sow March to July every 10 days for successional crops. Sow 5cm (2in) deep in flat-bottomed drills spacing 2.5-5cm (1-2in) apart, and in rows 75cm (30in) apart."Water plants regularly, especially when in flower as this will improve the crop. Start picking pods just as the peas inside start to form, regular picking will encourage further cropping and improve the flavour.
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A very popular variety, early to mature, compact and heavy yielding. The attractive fruits of Marrow Green Bush can be cut at 10-15cm (4-6in) as courgettes or left to mature as marrows. Excellent eaten lightly cooked, freshly picked or suitable for autumn storage.Sow seeds singly in mid spring 1cm (1/2in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of moist compost. Germination usually takes 7-10 days at 21-24C (70-75F).Gradually acclimatise the plants to outdoor conditions before planting out after all risk of frost has passed in rich moist well drained soil.Keep the soil moist, water regularly especially in dry weather and give liquid feed every 14 days when the fruits start to swell.
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A 'charentais' type of cantaloupe melon which can successfully ripen fruit outdoors. Smooth 10-12cm (4-5in) diameter 500g (1lb) fruits, pale cream-yellow skin with dark green striping that turns a more tan yellow when ripe with a sweet aroma. The salmon orange flesh is very sweet, juicy and perfumed. Sow seeds 1cm (1/2in) deep in pots or trays of good seed compost at a minimum of 20C (68F) under glass or in a propagator. Protect emerging seedlings from direct sunlight to avoid scorching. Alternatively only in the warmest areas, sow direct outdoors, 1-2cm (1/2-3/4in) deep from mid-May.Pot individual seedlings into 7.5cm (3in) pots of compost. Keep barely moist to avoid stem rot. Maintain temperature around 20C (68F). Harden off. For earliest crop plant under cloches or in a frame once frost risk has passed, or outdoors through black plastic/mulch and cover with fleece until established. Allow 75cm each way between plants. Pinch out growing point after 4 'true' leaves. Laterals will form. Train 4 laterals to 6 leaf stage then pinch out. Flowers should be pollinated by insects, otherwise hand pollinate using a male flower for up to 4 female flowers (those with a bump under the flower). Keep well watered and feed regularly with potash or tomato fertiliser. Can also be grown under glass.