One plant. That is all you need. A single Striato d’Italia will produce courgettes from July until the first frost, and you will be giving them away to the neighbours by August.
The fruits are deep green with pale stripes and slight ribbing. The flesh is firm and holds its shape in the pan, with a full, nutty flavour that bland supermarket courgettes cannot match.
The plants also produce plenty of large golden flowers, which you can stuff with ricotta, batter and fry. A proper Italian treat.
🌱 Sowing information
Sow indoors March to April in pots or modules, one seed per pot, about 2cm deep. Plant out after the last frost (late May in most of Ireland). Or sow directly outdoors from late May once the soil is warm.
☀️ Light exposure
Full sun. Courgettes need warmth and light to produce well. A sheltered, sunny spot with rich soil is ideal. They also grow well in large containers on a warm patio.
💧 Water needs
Water generously and regularly, especially once fruits start forming. Courgettes are mostly water themselves, so they drink a lot. Mulching around the base helps retain moisture and keeps fruits clean.
🌡️ Germination temperature and time
Seeds germinate in 5 to 10 days at 18 to 24°C. They are large seeds and easy to handle. Sow on their side to prevent rotting. Do not sow too early as seedlings grow fast and get leggy indoors.
📏 Plant spacing and final size
Space plants 80 to 100cm apart. They need room. Each plant forms a large, spreading bush. Pick fruits at 15 to 20cm for the best flavour. If you let them grow to marrow size, the plant slows down.
🌼 Harvesting notes
Harvest July to October. Check plants every two days in peak season. Courgettes grow fast and a 15cm fruit on Monday can be a 30cm marrow by Thursday. Keep picking and the plant keeps producing.
🍽️ In the kitchen
Grilled with olive oil, ribboned raw into salads, grated into pasta, or sliced into a frittata. The flowers are stuffed with ricotta and anchovy, then lightly fried.
📖 Not sure what to cook with your harvest? Our recipe guide “Welly to Belly: The Italian Vegetable Garden” is full of simple Italian recipes for exactly what you are growing. Get your copy and start cooking with what you grow.
Technical Data
🌱 Sowing depth: 2cm
📅 Sow: March to April (indoors). Plant out: late May. Or direct sow: late May
☀️ Light: Full sun
🌡️ Germination: 5 to 10 days at 18 to 24°C
📏 Spread: 80 to 100cm. Bushy habit
🪴 Container friendly: yes, large pot (40L+)
⏳ Harvest: July to October
🧪 Approx. seed quantity: 6 seeds per gram, 8g per packet
Heritage variety from Franchi Sementi, est. 1783. Open pollinated, OGM free.
