Cucurbita pepo 'Geode'

RHS Plant Profile
squash (summer) 'Geode'
Award of Garden MeritPlants for pollinators
Annual Biennial

An early variety of high-yielding courgette, to around 70cm in height, producing unusually round, green fruits. Sow from April to May for harvesting July to September

Position

Full sun

Soil Types

Sand, Loam

Size

Time to Maturity
1 year

Growing Conditions

Sand Loam
Moisture
Moist but well–drained or Well–drained
pH
Acid or Neutral

Position

Full sun
Aspect
West–facing or South–facing
Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H2

Colour & Scent

Season Stem Flower Foliage Fruit
Spring
Summer
Autumn
Winter

Botanical Details

Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to GB/Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Bushy
Potentially harmful
Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Genus
A small genus of climbing or trailing, annual herbaceous fruits. Several edible species are cultivated for food and other uses. Native to Central and South America. Solitary, star-shaped flowers are usually golden-yellow. Leaves are palmately lobed, covered with tiny, prickly hairs
Name Status
Unresolved

How to Grow

Cultivation

Grow in rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. Start indoors from mid-late April, sowing in individual pots about 1.5cm deep. Harden off before June then transplant outdoors to final growing position. Keep well-watered throughout the growing season and feed every 10-14 days once fruits start to form. See courgette cultivation for further advice

Propagation

Propagate by seed. See sowing vegetable seeds or sowing seeds indoors for further advice

Suggested planting locations and garden types

  • Patio and container plants
  • Wildlife gardens

Pruning

No pruning required. Regular harvesting extends cropping

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews