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Fruit EdibleAnnual Biennial

Cucurbita pepo 'Sunbeam'
  • RHS AGM
  • RHS Plants for pollinators

courgette 'Sunbeam'

A non-trailing annual with green leaves and yellow flowers. These develop into yellow patty pan summer squash which should be eaten young before the pips develop

Size
Ultimate height
0.1–0.5 metres
Time to ultimate height
1 year
Ultimate spread
0.5–1 metres
Growing conditions
Loam
Sand
Chalk
Clay
Moisture
Moist but well–drained
pH
Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Colour & scent
StemFlowerFoliageFruit
Spring Green
Summer Yellow Green Yellow
Autumn Yellow Green Yellow
Winter
Position
  • Full sun
Aspect

South–facing or West–facing or East–facing or North–facing

Exposure
Sheltered
Hardiness
H1C
Botanical details
Family
Cucurbitaceae
Native to GB / Ireland
No
Foliage
Deciduous
Habit
Spreading branched
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

Accepted

How to grow

Cultivation

Grow in rich, fertile, well drained soil in full sun. For more advice see cucurbit cultivation

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
  • Edible fruit
Pruning

No pruning required

Pests

May be susceptible to slugs and snails

Diseases

May be susceptible to grey moulds and powdery mildews

Get involved

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