Courgette Seeds – Nero di Milano

Grow your own delicious, tender and versatile courgettes with Nero di Milano courgette seeds. This attractive Italian variety produces long, slender fruits with a deep, glossy green skin and firm, flavourful flesh. Known for its excellent culinary qualities and productive growth, Nero di Milano is a fantastic choice for gardeners looking to enjoy fresh, homegrown courgettes throughout the summer.

Ideal for vegetable gardens, raised beds and allotments, Nero di Milano is a rewarding variety for both beginner gardeners and experienced growers. Its delicious fruits can be harvested young for the best tenderness and flavour, making them perfect for grilling, roasting, stir-frying, steaming and adding to pasta dishes. With regular harvesting and suitable growing conditions, plants can continue producing courgettes throughout the growing season.

Why Grow Nero di Milano Courgettes?

• Attractive dark green fruits: Produces long, slender courgettes with a glossy, deep green skin.

• Delicious flavour: Enjoy tender flesh with a mild, fresh taste, ideal for everyday cooking.

• Productive plants: Regular harvesting encourages continued fruit production throughout the summer.

• Versatile in the kitchen: Perfect for roasting, grilling, stir-fries, soups, pasta dishes and homemade vegetable recipes.

• Ideal for home growing: A rewarding crop for vegetable gardens, raised beds and allotments.

• Harvest throughout summer: Pick young courgettes regularly for the best flavour and texture.

How to Grow Nero di Milano Courgettes

Sow indoors from April to May for an early start, or sow directly outdoors from late May to June once the soil has warmed and all risk of frost has passed.

Choose a sunny, sheltered position with fertile, moisture-retentive and well-drained soil. Courgette plants grow quite large, so allow plenty of room for their broad leaves to spread.

Sow seeds individually in pots of seed compost, approximately 2–3 cm deep, placing each seed on its edge. Keep the compost moist and maintain a temperature of around 18–25°C to encourage germination. Grow seedlings in good light until they are ready to be planted outdoors.

Sow seeds in late May or June once the soil is warm enough and frost risk has passed. Sow two seeds per planting position, approximately 2–3 cm deep, and thin to the strongest seedling once established.

Harden off indoor-grown seedlings gradually before planting them into their final growing positions. Allow approximately 90–100 cm between plants, or follow the spacing instructions on your seed packet, to provide sufficient room for healthy growth.

Water regularly, particularly during warm, dry weather and while fruits are developing. Water around the base of the plant rather than over the leaves, helping keep the foliage dry and healthy.

Grow in fertile soil enriched with well-rotted organic matter. Once plants begin flowering and producing fruits, feed regularly with a suitable vegetable fertiliser according to the product instructions.

Courgettes produce separate male and female flowers on the same plant. Bees and other pollinating insects help transfer pollen between flowers, supporting fruit development. Encourage pollinators by growing bee-friendly flowers nearby.

Nero di Milano Courgette Growing Guide

Growing times are approximate and will vary according to weather, soil conditions and sowing dates.

When to Harvest Nero di Milano Courgettes

Nero di Milano courgettes can generally begin producing harvestable fruits from July onwards, depending on when they were sown and the conditions in which they are grown.

For the best flavour and texture, harvest the fruits when they are young and tender, typically around 15–20 cm long, unless your seed supplier recommends a different harvesting size. Use a sharp knife or clean secateurs to cut each courgette from the plant without damaging the stem.

Check plants every few days during warm weather, as courgettes can grow surprisingly quickly. Regular picking encourages plants to continue producing new fruits and prevents oversized courgettes from taking energy away from further production.

The flowers are also edible when harvested appropriately, making them a popular addition to Italian-inspired dishes.

Start growing your own delicious Italian courgettes with Nero di Milano courgette seeds from Warne’s Seeds, a fantastic choice for gardeners who want productive plants, fresh summer vegetables and the satisfaction of harvesting their own food.