Zucchini 'Long Florence'
Also known as Zucca 'Lungo di Firenze', seed was originally grown and gathered in Florence, but is now available around the world. The variety grown for stuffed flowers, there is no need to feel bad about removing the flowers and mini fruit as that is what this variety does best. Its gigantic leaves are also extremely ornamental in the summer garden.
Easy to grow and incredibly productive, plant as you would pumpkins, in a soil enriched with compost and decomposed manure. If training to a trellis, allow vines to grow 1m before training upward. This helps to maximise space and allow for easy harvest. Insect pollinated, plants produce both male and female flowers, with bees the major pollinators in Australia. Avoid placing under insect netting which may cause reduced pollination. Seed germinates readily from 18°C–35°C in as little as 7-10 days. Sow in punnets and transplant after all likelihood of frost has passed. Water regularly, but avoid overhead watering which can encourage mould and mildew.