Organic 'Fordhook' Zucchini

Organic 'Fordhook' courgette (Cucurbita pepo) from McKenzie Seeds, a classic summer courgette, productive and heat resistant

The 'Fordhook' zucchini is a recognized and award-winning heirloom variety, a winner of the All-America Selections (AAS) , prized for its reliability , vigor , and culinary versatility . It produces dark green, straight to slightly curved, cylindrical fruits with smooth skin and tender, flavorful, creamy-white flesh.

Ideally harvested when 13 to 18 cm (5 to 7 in) long, the 'Fordhook' zucchini offers a firm yet delicate texture, perfect for a wide variety of culinary uses. Its flesh freezes very well, making it an excellent choice for large harvests. The plants are robust , highly productive, and heat-tolerant , ensuring continuous production throughout the summer.

An ideal variety for family vegetable gardens, it attracts bees and pollinators , contributing to good fruiting and the overall vitality of the garden.

Companion plants: Oregano, Nasturtium, Zinnia
Nefarious plants: Potatoes (at a distance), other cucurbits planted too close together

Spread/Habit: Bushy, semi-upright
Plant height: Approximately 45 to 60 cm
Seed producer: McKenzie
Seed type: Heirloom
Physical seed type: Organic seeds
Quantity per packet: Approximately 12 to 15 seeds
Special features: AAS award winner , very productive , heat resistant , excellent for freezing

Fruit color: Glossy dark green
Texture/flavor: Tender, mild, and versatile flesh
Heat tolerance: Excellent

Farming method

Sow directly outdoors once the soil has warmed up and all risk of frost has passed. The ideal soil temperature is between 18 and 21°C . Prepare a rich, loose, and well-drained soil, enriched with compost.

Sow 2 to 3 seeds per hole at a depth of 2.5 cm (1 in) , spacing the holes 60 to 90 cm apart, with rows 1.5 to 1.8 m apart. Water gently after sowing and maintain consistent moisture during germination, which usually occurs in 5 to 12 days .

Once the plants are well established, thin them out to keep only the strongest plant in each group. 'Fordhook' courgettes prefer full sun (level 3) and regular watering, equivalent to about 5 cm of water per week .

Harvesting and preservation

Harvesting begins approximately 57 days after sowing . Pick the fruit young for optimal texture and sweet flavor. Frequent harvesting encourages continuous production.

The fruit can be kept for a few days in the refrigerator and freezes very well after blanching, allowing you to enjoy the harvest even out of season.

Usage ideas

• Sautéed or grilled courgettes
• Steaming or roasting
• Ratatouilles and stews
• Freezing for winter use
• Soups, gratins and vegetarian dishes

The organic 'Fordhook' zucchini from McKenzie Seeds is a reliable choice for the vegetable garden, combining productivity , resistance , and excellent flavor . An award-winning and proven variety, it's ideal for gardeners looking for a generous zucchini that's easy to grow and suited to hot summers.