How to Grow Marrows: Tips, Facts, and Information

Marrows are a type of summer squash that can grow to impressive sizes and are known for their mild flavor and versatility in cooking. Although similar to courgettes (zucchini), marrows are typically larger and have thicker skins, making them ideal for stuffing, roasting, or baking. They’re easy to grow and thrive in warm, sunny conditions, producing an abundant harvest throughout the summer. Here’s your guide to the top 20 marrow varieties to grow, along with essential growing tips, fascinating facts, and answers to common questions.

Top 20 Marrow Varieties to Grow

1. Long Green Bush

Tips: Long Green Bush marrows thrive in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds after the last frost and water consistently.
Facts: This classic marrow variety produces large, dark green fruits with a mild flavor, perfect for stuffing or baking.

2. Tiger Cross

Tips: Plant Tiger Cross in full sun and fertile soil. It grows best when watered regularly, ensuring the soil stays moist.
Facts: Known for its striped green skin, Tiger Cross is a versatile variety with tender flesh. It’s great for roasting or adding to stews.

3. Bush Baby

Tips: Bush Baby grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring after the last frost for a summer harvest.
Facts: This compact variety produces small, cylindrical marrows with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s ideal for container gardening and small spaces.

4. Green Trailing

Tips: Green Trailing marrows require full sun and plenty of space to spread out. Plant seeds in hills and water consistently.
Facts: This variety is known for its long vines and large, green fruits. Its tender flesh makes it perfect for grilling or using in soups.

5. White Marrow

Tips: White Marrow grows best in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This variety has pale green skin and a mild, slightly sweet flavor. It’s perfect for roasting, stuffing, or baking.

6. Yellow Bush

Tips: Yellow Bush marrows thrive in full sun and rich soil. Water regularly to keep the soil moist and ensure a bountiful harvest.
Facts: Known for its bright yellow skin, this variety has tender flesh and a sweet flavor, making it great for grilling or adding to salads.

7. Bush Baby Courgette

Tips: Plant Bush Baby in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Water consistently to encourage healthy growth.
Facts: This small marrow variety produces cylindrical, green-striped fruits that are perfect for grilling or sautéing.

8. Striped Marrow

Tips: Striped Marrow grows best in full sun and rich, well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water regularly.
Facts: This variety features dark green skin with pale stripes. Its mild flavor and tender flesh make it perfect for roasting or stuffing.

9. Black Beauty Marrow

Tips: Black Beauty marrows prefer full sun and moist, well-drained soil. Plant seeds after the last frost and water consistently.
Facts: Known for its dark green, almost black skin, Black Beauty has a rich flavor and tender flesh, ideal for baking or using in casseroles.

10. Piccolo

Tips: Piccolo marrows thrive in full sun and rich soil. Water regularly and plant seeds after the last frost.
Facts: This variety produces small, round fruits with tender flesh and a sweet, mild flavor, perfect for stuffing or using in stews.

11. Vegetable Spaghetti Marrow

Tips: Plant Vegetable Spaghetti marrows in full sun and well-drained soil. Water consistently and provide plenty of space for the vines to grow.
Facts: This marrow variety produces stringy flesh that resembles spaghetti when cooked, making it a great low-carb pasta substitute.

12. Custard White

Tips: Custard White marrows prefer full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Plant seeds after the last frost and water consistently.
Facts: This variety produces small, scalloped fruits with a creamy white color and mild flavor. It’s perfect for grilling or using in stir-fries.

13. Golden Marrow

Tips: Golden Marrow grows best in full sun and rich soil. Plant seeds in late spring for a summer harvest and water consistently.
Facts: Known for its golden-yellow skin, this variety has a sweet, mild flavor and tender flesh, making it ideal for roasting or using in casseroles.

14. Courcourzelle

Tips: Courcourzelle marrows grow best in full sun and fertile, moist soil. Plant in late spring and water regularly.
Facts: This French heirloom variety produces dark green fruits with a mild, nutty flavor. It’s great for stuffing or slicing into fresh salads.

15. Patty Pan

Tips: Patty Pan marrows thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in hills after the last frost for a summer harvest.
Facts: This variety is known for its distinctive, scalloped shape and tender, sweet flesh. It’s perfect for grilling, roasting, or stuffing.

16. Romanesco Marrow

Tips: Romanesco marrows grow best in full sun and rich soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water consistently.
Facts: This Italian heirloom variety has ribbed green skin and a rich, nutty flavor. It’s perfect for roasting or slicing into salads.

17. Tondo di Piacenza

Tips: Tondo di Piacenza grows well in full sun and fertile soil. Water regularly and plant seeds in late spring for a summer harvest.
Facts: This round Italian marrow has tender, green skin and a sweet, mild flavor, ideal for stuffing or roasting.

18. Diamant

Tips: Diamant marrows prefer full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in late spring and water regularly to encourage healthy growth.
Facts: Known for its bright green, glossy skin, Diamant produces cylindrical fruits with a mild flavor, perfect for grilling or using in stir-fries.

19. Round Bush Marrow

Tips: Round Bush marrows grow best in full sun and rich soil. Water consistently and plant seeds after the last frost for a summer harvest.
Facts: This compact variety produces round, green fruits with tender flesh and a mild flavor, perfect for grilling or baking.

20. Custard Yellow

Tips: Custard Yellow marrows thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. Plant seeds in hills after the last frost for a summer harvest.
Facts: Known for its bright yellow, scalloped fruits, Custard Yellow has a mild, sweet flavor and tender flesh, making it perfect for roasting or grilling.

Common Questions About Growing Marrows

Q: When should I plant marrows?
A: Marrows should be planted in late spring, after the last frost, when the soil has warmed to at least 70°F. They thrive in warm weather and need plenty of sunlight.

Q: Can I grow marrows in containers?
A: Yes, smaller varieties like Bush Baby or Round Bush can be grown in containers, but make sure the pots are at least 12-16 inches deep and wide to allow for root growth. Ensure good drainage and place the container in a sunny location.

Q: How long do marrows take to grow?
A: Marrows typically take 60-90 days to mature, depending on the variety and growing conditions. Harvest them while they are young and tender for the best flavor.

Q: How do I know when to harvest marrows?
A: Marrows are best harvested when they are about 10-12 inches long and the skin is still tender. Larger marrows can become tough and lose flavor, so it’s best to pick them early.

Q: How do I store marrows after harvesting?
A: Marrows can be stored in a cool, dry place for up to a week. For longer storage, marrows can be frozen after being sliced or shredded. Larger marrows can also be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a month.