Growing Giant English Marrows
In 2008 the EGVGA is holding a competition to see which member can grow the largest giant English marrow. Your marrow must be officially weighed to be eligible for the prize. Here are some simple instructions.
GROWING GIANT ENGLISH MARROWS
Soil preparation
Giant marrows and giant pumpkins are relatives and require pretty much the same soil preparation and growing techniques. The soil should be prepared in the fall. Add well-rotted (cow) manure and compost (and/or leaves) to your patch. Let the worms and bacteria do their work during the winter months. You will need about
Starting your plants
Marrows can be started later than pumpkins. They do not need as much time to grow as giant pumpkins and squash do. The best time to start is in early May. Usually the seeds do not need soaking ahead of time. They usually germinate quite quick at room temperature. In general marrows like it a bit cooler than pumpkins. Make sure the pot is big enough to hold the plant for a few days. Once the first true leaf appears you can put it outside.
It is smart to start your plant off in a mini poly tunnel which will keep it out of the wind until the plant gets bigger and protect it from cool days and cold nights. Make sure the tunnel is open during warm days.
Slugs really like young marrow plants so make sure you prevent them from attacking your plant.
Feeding
Some growers have perfected their soil and do not add any fertilizer during the entire growing season. In general they need the same feeding and watering as pumpkins. Like pumpkins they do not appreciate water on their leaves, especially not during the day. This can lead to scorching and contributes to mildew.
The soil should never be soaking wet or dry. Both can lead to irregular growth and splitting.
Once the fruit has started to grow you can change to a higher potash fertilizer which can be added up to two times per week.
Spraying an anti-mildew fungicide or a water/milk solution once a week can help prevent mildew which will otherwise eventually kill the plant. Remove any old diseased leaves.
Growing
There are a few different plant pruning schemes which can be used. In general the plant should be let to grow about
Pollination is the same as with pumpkins. For a controlled pollination the male and female flowers must be covered the evening before. The female should remain covered (or tied up) for up to a day after pollination. Do not forget to write down the cross you made and when.
Marrows only grow for a few weeks. Once the skin is hard, the marrow has stopped growing. It is also handy to measure the circumference and length of the marrow. This will help you know when it has stopped growing and you can also use your measurements to compare with other years.
Once the marrow has stopped growing, it can be harvested and a new marrow on the same plant can be started. The record to beat is
