Conjure up the subtle flavour of Mediterranean cuisine. Succulent ROUND courgettes to be picked at golf ball size and upwards. Deliciously different, with a flavour all of its own. Eat raw, stuffed or boiled in lightly salted water.

Sow in spring 1cm (½in) deep in a good seed compost. Germination usually takes 6-10 days at 24C (75F).

Transplant when large enough to handle into 8cm (3in) pots and grow on in cooler conditions. Gradually acclimatise to outdoor conditions for 10-15 days before planting out after all risk of frost, 60cm (24in) apart in a sunny sheltered spot on rich well drained soil.

Water regularly and feed every 14 days once the courgettes start to develop pick regularly while small 10-16cm (4-6in) and don't leave any on to grow large or cropping will be impaired. Can also be sown where they are to crop in late spring/early summer once the soil has warmed up. Sow 3 seeds every 60cm (24in) and thin out to the best seedling.