Growing Marrow

Cucurbitaceae : Cucurbitaceae / the gourd family

Jan F M A M J J A S O N Dec
                  S S  
T                     T

(Best months for growing Marrow in New Zealand - cool/mountain regions)

  • S = Plant undercover in seed trays
  • T = Plant out (transplant) seedlings

October: After risk of frost

  • Grow in seed trays, and plant out in 4-6 weeks. Sow seed at a depth approximately three times the diameter of the seed. Best planted at soil temperatures between 20°C and 35°C. (Show °F/in)
  • Space plants: 90 - 120 cm apart
  • Harvest in 12-17 weeks.
  • Compatible with (can grow beside): Peas, Beans, Onions, Sweetcorn
  • Avoid growing close to: Potatoes

Your comments and tips

07 Sep 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Do you have bees in your yard. If not read up about hand pollinating. Most of these vine crops have male and female flowers on the one plant. Put some mulch under the marrow if you are worried. Any thing will do. But marrow zucchini grow so quick you shouldn't have to worry. As much as possible water the soil. By watering in the morning the wind and sun will dry plants quickly.
22 Aug 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Just looking at the graph depicting the brst times to grow marrow. Looks like I sow'd and planted early. *Why is it important to sow and plant at the right time? Thankyou in advance.
23 Aug 18, Mike (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
FROM the bottom of the page. -"This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. Gardenate is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided." To sow around the best time is to give yourself the best chance to produce a good crop. Like you wouldn't plant something in summer if it says to plant in winter.
31 Aug 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Mike, thanks for the reminder. I have read and occasionally reread the above.Invaluable. One of my marrow fruit turned yellow (had something at the flower end that looked like blossom-end rot that tomatoes can get) and came off while some of my leaves (Melbourne cream, Winter Squash Blue Hubbard) have small white spotty blotches on them . I cut them off and disposed of them in sealed zip bags but it's disappointing. Can I treat them? Thnx in advance.
22 Aug 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Anna,sadly I didn't get an answer from you. Never mind. I hope you sorted your marrow 'trellis'. I planted half a dozen out and notice there is fruit forming. Exciting for me as I haven't seen or eaten the old marrow since childhood. They are spreading out and starting to climb up the fence. Similarly, zucchini. Jane
06 Jun 18, Michelle (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Something is eating my marrow plant, can I lift it off the ground and tie it to a wire mesh fence? Thank you
02 Sep 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Michelle, this may or may not be relevant. When I saw the word 'wire' in your post, I thought to mention a small marrow about the size of a tennis ball that is growing on my vine. It began climbing up a temporary wire fence and I let it go as I didn't want to disturb it. Yesterday, I noticed that the said marrow and the top horizontal wire of the fence were firmly pressed up against one another. The little marrow seemed almost grafted on. I gently eased the marrow away from the fence but it kept gravitating back to the fence following the direction of the extended vine. I carefully inserted a piece of unused (synthetic type) flyscreen between the fence top and the marrow and then loosely draped the flyscreen along the top of the wire fence in hope that I can find a more permanent solution. Failing which - ? C'est la vie. I have seen images of wire trellis structures bent into arches etc and thought wire was a good idea. However, I am now thinking I could be wrong and that wire might work to do anything but ruin the fruit? Do you find wire works without an adverse effect? Enjoy yr marrow! J.
08 Jun 18, Mike L (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Yes be careful.
25 Nov 17, Anna (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
Sadly, I didn't get any answers or help, however, I located old marrow seed and they are germinating. Pumpkins are mostly ready and big old squash are now half grown. Subtropical weather is not very kind to many fruits and vegies at this time of the year so I am finding but I am also discovering what does really well!
02 Jul 18, Jane (Australia - sub-tropical climate)
HI ann, Glad you found some marrow. I searched for years and finally, bi go! I planted some marrow seeds a couple if weeks and 3 have germinated.Exciting. Can't wait to plant them out and hope I get to share and eat them not least save their seeds. Yr so right, subtropical weather is a challenge. Here's to many better and more prosperous times in tbe garden How have your marrrow fared??
Showing 21 - 30 of 66 comments

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This planting guide is a general reference intended for home gardeners. We recommend that you take into account your local conditions in making planting decisions. GardenGrow is not a farming or commercial advisory service. For specific advice, please contact your local plant suppliers, gardening groups, or agricultural department. The information on this site is presented in good faith, but we take no responsibility as to the accuracy of the information provided.
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