About

'Cucurbita pepo 'Defender' is a dependable courgette cultivar known for its open growth habit. In summer, it bears appealing yellow flowers that are edible. This variety produces robust, mid-green fruits and has a remarkable yield, offering nearly double the quantity of fruits compared to other types. Additionally, it exhibits strong resistance to cucumber mosaic virus.

About the genus

This genus consists of small, annual herbaceous plants that either climb or trail. Several species within this group are cultivated for their edible fruits and other applications. They originate from Central and South America. The flowers are typically solitary and star-shaped, exhibiting a golden-yellow hue. The leaves are characterized by their palmately lobed structure and are adorned with fine, prickly hairs.

Growing conditions

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil type

Loam, Sand

Soil pH

Acid, Neutral

Soil moisture

Well-drained, Moist but well-drained

Aspect

West-facing, South-facing

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness

H2

Plant details

Plant type

Annual Biennial

Habit

Clump forming

Foliage

Deciduous

Height

0.1-0.5 metres

Spread

0.5-1 metres

Time to full height

1 year

Suggested uses

Patio and container plants, Wildlife gardens

Toxicity

Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Care notes

Cultivation

Grow in rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Start indoors in mid-late April, sowing in individual pots with seeds on their side about 1.5cm deep. Harden off before June then transplant outdoors to final growing position. See cucurbit cultivation for further advice

Pruning

No pruning required. Regular harvesting extends cropping

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Pest resistance

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Disease resistance

May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews. Shows excellent resistance to cucumber mosaic virus