courgette 'Defender' F1

courgette / zucchini or Cucurbita pepo 'Defender' F1

Eventual height & spread

courgette 'Defender' F1

courgette / zucchini or Cucurbita pepo 'Defender' F1

  • approx 10 seeds
  • £2.99
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
  • 3 × packets of seeds
  • £8.00 £2.67 each
  • In stock (shipped within 2-3 working days)
Delivery options
  • Seed Packets (only) £2.99
  • Named Day £10.99
  • Position: full sun
  • Soil: fertile, moisture retentive
  • Growth rate: fast


Courgette 'Defender' is one of the most reliable of courgettes, producing a very heavy crop of dark green, tender fruits over a long period. This courgette is vigorous with good resistance to cucumber mosaic virus. The flowers are also edible, dipped in batter and fried for a deliciously different appetiser.


  • Garden care:
    Plant courgettes in a sunny, sheltered spot with rich, moisture-retentive soil. Space them well apart to allow for airflow and reduce the risk of mildew. Protect young plants from slugs, especially just after planting. Water regularly and deeply during dry periods, avoiding the leaves to help prevent rot.

    Feed every couple of weeks with a high-potash fertiliser once they start to flower. Harvest courgettes when they’re around 10–15cm (4-6in) long to encourage the plant to keep producing. Remove any oversized fruits promptly as they can slow down further cropping.


    Sow two seeds to a 10cm pot in a greenhouse or on a sunny windowsill. Pot on seedlings as they grow, keeping them well-watered and warm, then harden off and plant out in rich soil in a sunny, sheltered spot after all threat of frost has passed.


  • Sow: April to June


  • Harvest: July to September


  • Approximate quantity: 10 seeds
    • Humans/Pets: If crop is bitter, don't eat or feed to pets

    Goes well with