[bedt]

Greetings to All,

I hope someone can help me. My courgettes are really putting me at wits end. They seem to be growing beautifully, but just as the "fruit" gets to about 4 inches long it just goes mushy and starts to rot from the end where the flower had been. The plants are beautiful, deep green colour with dinner plate size leaves. But I'm not growing ornamentals. Can anyone tell me what I'm doing wrong.

[rugbymad40]

Hi Bedt,

Sounds like one of two things.  Either Grey Mould or Black Rot, both of which are associated with overwatering.  Take off any fruits that have the problem and burn them.  Then try and cut down on watering for a couple of days.

If this fails, let us know as I am over producing courgettes at present and you are welcome to some as I can't even give them away.

Good Luck

[GrannieAnnie]

Hi Bedt

They were discussing this on TV the other day, may have been on the Big Dig programme, and they reckong it is also because of the fluctuating temperatures.  It is so hot during the day, and then colder at night.

However, saying that, its hot at night too at the moment!!!  But some of mine did the same, then after one or 2, they start getting bigger, and bigger and .......

[Ali]

I wouldn't worry. No idea why it happens but mine did it for a while, then gave up and started making proper ones.

[rugbymad40]

Just got back from the plot and someone has left 20+ courgette/Marrows on a box by the shed as giveaways - are you interested?

[bedt]

Thanks to everyone for your responses   I really thought I was doing something wrong. Having immigrated from California to the thriving metropolis of Wigan, that'll do, I'm having to re-learn how to grow things. But learning is a reward in itself.

To Rugbymad40: I wished I were closer to Surrey. I would be only to happy to take all the extras you have. Courgettes are my absolute favourite. Sliced in omlettes at breakfast, on sandwichs at lunch, and sauted in butter with onions and garlic for dinner. They are the best.
Thanks for your help and generous offer. All the best mate!

[GrannieAnnie]

Not in Lincolnshire are you bedt?  You could have some of mine too!!!

OH said he is fed up with courgettes, but he doesn't get them very often.  Me and the dog keep eating them when we pick them whilst walking around the garden!!!  I'm going to try the courgette chutney recipe tomorrow!!!

[Comfry_Kid]

i had same prob last year - rotting courgettes - i was told to nip the flower off when the fruit was about 2" long - apprently when you water - the flowers retain the water and drip on to friut and it goes soggy.

Although it hasnt occured this year (and i havent nipped off flower - forgot about it) it could be that i've put straw around the plants this year. If your anywhere near Tyne and Wear I have lots and lots. I eat them with everything - steak and courgettes chicken courgettes fried with rice mmmmmmm courgettes and spinach soup.

[jaycee]

Talking about courgettes and removing  their flowers.......Don`t throw away  try  dipping the flowers in a light batter and frying.  Delicious. Or you could stuff them and bake.

[Jake]

Talking about courgettes and removing  their flowers.......Don`t throw away  try  dipping the flowers in a light batter and frying.  Delicious. Or you could stuff them and bake.

My wife put them in a salad. Lovely.

[GrannieAnnie]

Never quite got the courage to eat flowers yet, even though Hugh F-W loves them.  What do they taste like?

[Oliver]

Never quite got the courage to eat flowers yet, even though Hugh F-W loves them.  What do they taste like?

Courgette flowers don't taste of much really - they taste of whatever you do to them! Stuff them with well flavoured (cooked) rice, or cous cous or quinoa, or meat if you pefer (add herbs or chillis). Put about a a teaspoon of mixture in each one, and twist closed lightly. Pack them in a baking dish. Pour on a rich tomato sauce. Bake in moderate oven for about 20 mins. So you see, you will get the taste of your flavoured rice and the tomato sauce. Nice.
Pick the (male) flowers when they are fully open and very fresh. Handle them very gently as they tear easily. 0

[Jake]

They taste like strong corgette. A bit like patty pan. They feel a little bit furry at first but then the texture changes. Can't quite describe it.

Edit: lol hadn't seen olivers post.

I think they have a strong taste when compared to the vegetable, which isn't (IMO)strong tasting.

[GrannieAnnie]

Thanks Jake and Oliver, may try them at least once!!!!!