How to Grow Marrow: A Complete Guide 

If you’re an allotment grower looking to grow fruit and veg that requires minimum effort for maximum results, then growing marrow is a great choice. They are so popular in the UK that there are dedicated regional-level competitions for them. 

Marrows, or their smaller version, known as courgettes can be used in a variety of European and Asian dishes making them a favourite among allotment growers. Check out our tips on growing courgettes.

When to Plant Marrow

Marrows are one of the cucurbits along with squashes, cucumbers and courgettes. 

If you are wondering when to plant marrow, then the best time to sow the seeds is during April, May or June. It usually takes a few weeks for the plant to mature and bear yellow flowers from which the marrow grows. You can start sowing the seed indoors during the month of April. You can then replant it outdoors during May/June. 

Prepare the soil by digging about a few inches deep and then adding compost or manure. Sow the seeds about 2cm under the ground and then cover it with a cloche, to keep the area warm and moist. 

Marrow or courgette seeds are sown sideways to prevent them rotting in soil. They can be started in pots, indoors or sown directly outside later, once the threat of frosts has passed.

If you have sown the seeds inside, then you need to harden the seedling before transplanting it outdoors. For the first week, leave the plants outdoors during the day and then place them back indoors at night. The following week, leave the seedling outdoors for the whole week under a shade. This will help the plant to get acclimatised to the outside weather conditions. 

How to Grow Marrows Outdoor

Marrows are a hungry and thirsty plant, so nutritional soil and regular watering during dry spells in is necessary. One essential point to remember is that when watering the plant, you should avoid the leaves as it can lead to fungal infections that can destroy the crop. Once the plant is flowering you can use tomato feed to regularly feed the Marrow or Courgette plant.

If you find the leaves turning yellow, it is best to remove them by pinching off the base, so that the fruit gets adequate exposure to sunlight. It also makes it easier to spot when the marrow is ready to be picked. 

You will not get as many marrows per plant due to the energy going into growing the larger fruit. Courgettes are picked more regularly when they are immature and so this encourages re-growth. You will likely get approximately 4 marrows per plant. 

The marrow plant is usually very tender and vine-like, while the produce itself can become quite heavy and large. You can create a scaffolding around the plant to support the marrow and produce better-looking harvests. 

When to Harvest Marrow

Not sure when to harvest marrow? They are usually ready to harvest from July-October. You can cut them off the plant at the stalk and leave them in the sun for the skin to ripen and harden.

When cooking with Marrows, the seeds and middle section is removed, leaving the flesh and skin. It is a popular vegetable to stuff with spicy meat fillings and can also be added to soups, curries and other dishes.

The yellow flowers can also be harvested as they are extremely flavourful and pair well with fruits and cheese.