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An improved Detroit with rich maroon colouring. Beetroot Detroit 2 Crimson Globe produces globe-shaped beet which are ideal for successional sowing.Sow seeds from spring to early summer very thinly in drills 3cm (1in) deep in rows 30cm (12in) apart.When the seedlings are large enough to handle thin them out gradually to 1cm (4in) apart. The later thinnings will be large enough to use in a salad. Pull the beetroot when the roots are 1½in in diameter or larger.The smaller the root the better the quality. In mid autumn lift the remaining roots twist off the tops and use or store in a clamp as you would potatoes.
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Strong plants with dense foliage so weeds are less of a problem. Dark red, round roots which can be picked from baby beet size, or left to grow larger for roasting or pickling. Leaves are also a tasty addition to salads. Can be stored for up to 4 months in ideal conditions.Sow thinly into finely raked, moist, warm soil at a depth of 13mm (½in) in rows, leaving 30cm (12in) between further rows.Thin seedlings to 5-7.5cm (2-3in) between plants. Grows best in soil that has been manured the previous autumn. When harvesting, twist the leaves from the root to prevent staining.
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Visually stunning, with dark purple leaves and stems, ‘Morello’ forms a dark purple root with purple-red flesh and distinctive white rings. This is a no-waste, eat-all beetroot - enjoy the leaves and stems as well as the root. Its compact growing habit makes it ideal for the smaller vegetable plot.Sow thinly outdoors, 13mm (½in) deep in drills 30cm (12in) apart. Sow at 2-3 week intervals. Also ideal in patio containers.Thin seedlings as necessary, to 2.5cm (1in) apart for ‘baby beets’ or slightly wider spacing for larger roots. Keep well watered for most tender roots and to avoid bolting (running to seed). Roots, stems and leaves can be eaten raw or steamed when young.SERVING SUGGESTION: Larger roots are ideal for baking or slicing raw into stir-fries. Shoots when young can be eaten like spinach and are rich in beta-carotene, calcium, iron and folic acid. Roots contain beta-cyanin and are a good source of manganese, a mineral needed for proper bone formation and energy metabolism.
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A vigorous plant habit and excellent powdery mildew resistance makes this a reliable variety for the home gardener. ‘Bella’ produces good crops of bitter-free fruits of about 35cm (14in) in length with that true cucumber taste often missing in shop-bought fruits.Sow 1cm deep, in 7cm (3in) pots of free-draining compost. Place in a propagator and keep at a temperature of around 20-25C (68-77F) until germination, usually 5-7 days.When first true leaves develop, transplant into 13cm (5in) pots. Finally, plant into 25cm (10in) pots or into growbags. Grow on at a minimum of 15C (59F). Train along wire, allowing the main shoot to reach the tip.
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Best grown as a half hardy annual in the greenhouse, but will fruit prolifically in a sunny spot outdoors. The vigorous slender vines will need support/netting to ramble and can be trimmed if become too rampant. The vines are carpeted with dainty yellow flowers which form huge numbers of larger grape-like fruits all summer. Fruits are firm, juicy with a refreshing cucumber and hint of lime flavour.Sow seed on the surface of a free-draining compost and cover with about 6mm (¼in) of compost or vermiculite. Place in a propagator at 21-24C (70-75F) until germination, then reduce to 18C (65F). Germination up to 21 days.Transplant seedlings when large enough to handle into 7.5cm (3in) pots. Plant out, 1 plant per 25cm (10in) container or 2 plants per growbag. Can also be planted outdoors in a sunny spot in late May/June once all risk of frost has passed. Plants will need support to ramble.
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"Dark green, speckled courgettes, 15-20cm in length are produced on parthenocarpic plants - pollination by insects is not needed - whichshow good resistance to powdery mildew until late in the season.Fruits have a stronger flavour than many green courgette varieties.""Sow seed, 1cm (½in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of free draining compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bagand place at 20-25°C (68-77°F) until after germination which takes 7-10 days. Do notexclude light as this helps germination.""Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, minimum 75cm (30in) apart. Canalso be sown direct outdoors once the soil has warmed. Sow 2 seeds every 75cm(30in) and thin out to the best seedling."SERVING SUGGESTION: Use fresh courgette flowers stuffed with ricotta cheese or rice and vegetables
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British breeding and a world first in climbing golden skinned courgettes. Stunning space saving plant when grown up a trellis/arch. The fruits are less watery than many varieties so firmer when sliced for salads and stir fries. Harvest regularly to extend the season.Sow mid-April to early June under glass for transplanting outdoors. Sow 2cm (3/4in) deep in 7.5cm (3in) pots of good seed compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag and place at 21-25C (70-77F) until after germination which takes 5-7 days. Can also be sown direct outdoors from mid-May once the soil has warmed and risk of frost has passed, 2.5cm (1in) deep at 60cm (24in) apart in rows 60cm (24in) apart.Gradually acclimatise plants to outdoor conditions for a few days before planting out after all risk of frost has passed, 60cm (24in) apart each way. Group 3 plants together to ensure pollination. Feed with potash fertiliser once fruiting begins. Tie stems regularly to support the weight of fruit. Water and pick fruits regularly to extend the harvesting season.
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Lingodor produces bright yellow cylindrical fruits of superb quality. It is a vigorous and productive plant, resistant to virus with a very good shelf life.SOWING INSTRUCTIONS: Sow seed at a depth of 2cm (¾in) in 7.5cm (3in) pots of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a polythene bag at a temperature of 20-25°C (68-77°F) until germination which takes 5-7 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination.GROWING INSTRUCTIONS: Once germinated, grow courgettes on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and courgette plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7-10 days before planting courgettes outdoors in rich, fertile, well-drained soil in full sun at a distance of 90cm (36in) apart. Alternatively direct sow courgettes outdoors at a depth of 2cm (¾in) and a distance of 90cm (36in) apart. Sow 2 seeds per hole and thin out the weakest seedling per station after germination.
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A very heavy and early yielder of solid mid-green courgettes. The early yield is almost twice that of some other courgette varieties and it just keeps producing firm, remarkably heavy fruit right through the season. Courgette Defender has an open habit which lets you see and pick the fruits easily, and it has excellent resistance to Cucumber Mosaic Virus.Sow seeds in spring 1cm (½in) deep in a good seed compost. Germination usually takes 6-10 days at 24C (75F). Can also be sown where they are to crop in late spring/early summer once the soil has warmed up. Sow 3 seeds every 60cm (24in) and thin out to the best seedling.Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 1-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 6cm (24in) apart in a sunny sheltered spot on rich well Water regularly and feed every 14 days once the courgettes start to develop pick regularly while small 1-16cm (4-6in) and don't leave any on to grow large or cropping will be impaired.
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‘Butterstick F1’ produces yellow straight-neck fruit in abundance. Proven top for performance, flavour and wide adaptability. Showing good mildew resistance in the garden, this variety has fruit with a firm texture and a sweet, nutty flavour. Perfect to harvest young and add to salads thinly sliced.Sow seeds singly 2.5cm (1in) deep into 7.5cm (3in) pots indoors or in a greenhouse. Can also be sown directly outdoors into warm, well-drained, moist soil after all risk of frost has passed, sowing 2-3 seeds at 60cm (24in) intervals and thinning out to the strongest seedling.Plant out in the garden after hardening off, when all risk of frost has passed, leaving 60cm (24in) each way between plants. Alternatively, plant in 45cm (18in) containers.