Cucurbita pepo 'Defender'

Courgettes are tender, spreading plants with large, mottled green leaves and long, slim fruit which are usually harvested when they are about 10cm (4in) long. The fruits typically have a nutty, creamy flavour. They can be eaten raw as crudités and in salads, or pan-fried, roasted or steamed and used in a variety of dishes. They are easy to grow and make the perfect, high-yielding crop for the beginner veg grower.

Cucurbita pepo 'Defender' is a heavy cropping courgette with an open habit for easier picking. It also shows a good degree of resistance to cucumber mosaic virus. The Royal Horticultural Society has given it its prestigious Award of Garden Merit (AGM).

For best results grow Cucurbita pepo 'Defender' in rich, moist but well-drained soil in full sun. Protect young plants from slugs and snails.