This variety is perfect for planting in containers on the patio due to its unique climbing habit. You will need to tie the long stems onto a trellis or netting to gently train them upwards. Producing heavy yields of dark green, smooth courgettes when picked regularly throughout the summer months this is the best in its class for container vegetables. Sow courgette seed indoors from April to May for transplanting later on, or direct sow outdoors from late May to June. Prepare the soil in early spring by adding plenty of well-rotted farmyard manure to improve its structure and fertility. Indoors, sow seed at a depth of 2cm ( 3/4") in 7.5cm (3") pots of free-draining, seed sowing compost. Place in a propagator or seal container inside a plastic bag at a temperature of 20-25C (68-77F) until germination which takes 5-7 days. Do not exclude light, as this helps germination. Once germinated, grow courgettes on in cooler conditions until all risk of frost has passed and courgette plants are large enough to be transplanted. Gradually acclimatise them to outdoor conditions over 7 - 10 days before planting courgettes outdoors in rich fertile, well-drained soil in full sun at a distance of 90cm (36") apart. Product Specifications: Half-Hardy Annual Position: full sun Height : 120cm (47in) Spread: 60cm (24in) Supplied as Courgette ‘Black Forest’ F1 Hybrid 1 packet (4 seeds) Images shown are for guidance only of the expected results from plants upon maturity. Different growing conditions might vary results. Image may be included for illustration of supply but can vary due to seasonality changes (e.g. deciduous plants lose leaves in colder months).