Look forward to a prolific crop of dark green fruits with a slight light green stripe. These can be started early under clochesor in a coldframe in March for the earliest courgette harvest. This tasty and reliable variety is a bush type and reasonably compact making it a good choice for growing in a pot or container.
SOW: for a very early start from March otherwise April to May; under cloches or in a cold frame, 1 seed per pot.
GROW: keep moist, but not waterlogged, plant out with protection until all danger of frost has passed. Early Gem will grow happily in large pots or containers or in the soil. Courgettes are trouble free and prolific - keep an eye on them and keep picking for a tasty and reliable harvest.
EAT: Try young courgettes (finger thick) sliced and pan fried of diced into an omelette. These little fruits can be quartered for casseroles and stews. To Freeze – slice or dice, (you can blanch for 1 minute, but we never have) pack into portions and freeze.