Sowing window (UK)April to May
Minimum soil temperature12°C at seed depth
Sowing depth3 cm
Spacing90 cm apart
Days to germination10 days
Days to harvest98 days
Sowing methodStart under cover, transplant out
Frost hardyNo
Sunfull-sun
Wateringhigh
Plant familyCucurbitaceae

When should I sow Marrow 'Long Green Bush' in the UK?

In the UK, sow Marrow 'Long Green Bush' from April to May. It is normally started under cover and transplanted. Wait until the soil has reached 12°C at seed depth rather than going by the calendar - marrow will sit and rot in cold ground.

What soil temperature does Marrow 'Long Green Bush' need to germinate?

Marrow 'Long Green Bush' needs a minimum soil temperature of 12°C at seed depth to germinate reliably. Below that, germination is slow and patchy, and seed is more likely to rot than sprout. Measure at around 5cm down, in the morning, rather than trusting air temperature.

How deep and how far apart should I sow Marrow 'Long Green Bush'?

For Marrow 'Long Green Bush', sow it 3cm deep and space plants 90cm apart.

How long does Marrow 'Long Green Bush' take to grow?

Marrow 'Long Green Bush' takes roughly 98 days from sowing to harvest. Seed usually germinates in about 10 days.

Is Marrow 'Long Green Bush' frost hardy?

No. Marrow 'Long Green Bush' is not frost hardy. Do not put it outside until the risk of frost has passed in your area, and be ready to fleece it if a late frost is forecast.

Sowing data cross-checked against RHS growing guides and UK seed-merchant catalogues. Soil temperatures are the minimum for reliable germination, measured at seed depth.