Organic 'Cocozelle' Zucchini
Organic 'Cocozelle' courgette (Cucurbita pepo) from the seed company Gaia, a tasty heritage variety with a productive growth habit
The 'Cocozelle' courgette is an Italian heirloom variety renowned for its elegant appearance and superior flavor. Its elongated fruits, striped with dark and light green and subtly ribbed, offer a sweet and delicately nutty taste, often considered more refined than that of common courgettes. Its bushy growth habit makes it ideal for home gardens, urban vegetable patches, or larger spaces. Harvested young, between 6 and 8 inches, it reveals a tender texture and succulent flesh that lends itself equally well to stir-fries, grilling, or stews.
Organic 'Cocozelle' courgette (Cucurbita pepo) from the seed company Gaia, a tasty heritage variety with a productive growth habit
The 'Cocozelle' courgette is an Italian heirloom variety renowned for its elegant appearance and superior flavor. Its elongated fruits, striped with dark and light green and subtly ribbed, offer a sweet and delicately nutty taste, often considered more refined than that of common courgettes. Its bushy growth habit makes it ideal for home gardens, urban vegetable patches, or larger spaces. Harvested young, between 6 and 8 inches, it reveals a tender texture and succulent flesh that lends itself equally well to stir-fries, grilling, or stews.
The 'Cocozelle' variety is distinguished by its remarkable productivity and its ability to produce uniformly sized fruit over a long summer period. Their thin, glossy skin indicates the perfect harvest time. The more regularly the fruit is picked, the more generous the plant becomes, providing a continuous supply of fresh, ready-to-cook courgettes.
Companion plants : Corn, climbing beans, peas, radishes, sunflowers, parsley, celery, buckwheat, nasturtiums, marigolds, oregano
Negative plants : Tomato, eggplant, potato, pepper
Spread/Habit : Bushy, compact and productive
Plant height : 45 to 60 cm
Quantity per packet : 20 seeds
Certification : Certified organic by Ecocert Canada
Special features : Heritage variety, open pollination, superior taste, early and extended harvest
Farming method
Sow directly outdoors in late May or early June, when the soil temperature reaches at least 25°C (77°F). You can also start your seeds indoors 2 to 3 weeks before the last frost; the seedlings will be ready to transplant when the soil temperature reaches 25°C (77°F). To improve germination, soak the seeds in warm water for up to 24 hours and lightly scarify the surface of the seed before sowing.
Plant the seeds 2.5 cm (1") deep. Space plants 30 to 60 cm (12 to 24") apart and rows 60 to 90 cm (24 to 36") apart. Choose a very sunny location (sun level 3) with rich, loose, well-drained soil. Water regularly but not excessively (watering level 2). Germination occurs in 7 to 10 days at an optimal temperature of 27 to 35 °C.
Harvesting and preservation
Harvest the fruit when it measures 4 to 5 inches, or smaller for an even more tender texture. Pick every two days to encourage production and prevent the fruit from becoming too large. Soft, smooth, and shiny skin indicates a perfect harvest.
Fresh courgettes will keep for 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator, ideally at 1–2°C and 90% humidity. Handle them gently to avoid bruising, as their thin skin is fragile.
Ideas for using it in the kitchen
• Delicious grilled with a drizzle of olive oil and sea salt
• Excellent in ratatouille or quick stir-fries
• Perfect for stuffing zucchini thanks to its regular shape
• Ideal as a carpaccio of thinly sliced raw zucchini
• Works well in zucchini breads, pancakes and muffins
• Remarkable oven roast with garlic and fresh herbs
The 'Cocozelle' courgette is a must-have for gardeners looking for a variety that is productive, attractive, and delicious. With its tender texture, delicate flavor, and ease of cultivation, it stands out as a true treasure in the vegetable garden.