Spineless courgettes, any recomendations?

Grumpysally

I am considering trying to grow spineless courgettes next year.
Has anyone grown them and is there any trade off in terms of them being less flavoursome?
I would prefer yellow ones, as the blighters are easier to spot before they become marrows overnight. Also this year we had problems with powdery mildew on the leaves which though it didn't affect the fruit, looked unsightly and I was concerned about inhaling it as picked the courgettes, so a mildew resistant variety would also be good.
I have turned up several online, but a personal recommendation would be much appreciated.
Also does anyone have experience of growing them from plug plants rather than seeds. Not as MSE but much less time consuming and you are, hopefully, guaranteed a plant rather than a tray full of mouldy seedlings.
Thanks

madjackslam

What are spineless courgettes?

peter_the_piper

Why mouldy seedlings? I've grown thousands of courgette seedlings over the years and none have gone mouldy. Maybe you are too generous with the water? I fill a seed tray with compost and push the seed in, flat end down, lightly cover and water Gently in, don't overwater but don't allow to dry ou. put on a warm bright window ledge but not full sun. !!!!! out when the cotyledons are about a couple of inches across.
As for plugs, they germinate so well and quickly that imo its hardly worth the cost.

ps I've never grown spineless courgettes, all the plants I have grown have been spineless. Do you mean the fruit or the leaves?

Grumpysally

It's the leaves and stems that are spineless. So you don't get attacked every time you harvest your courgettes. Having forgotten to wear gloves and long sleeves once again!
(Also OH has pointed out that the courgette seeds didn't go mouldy. I must have been thinking about the tomatoes)

Davesnave

The only problem I have picking mine is being stung by the young nettles that infest the bed once the plants develop a wide canopy.

I have found all yellow marrow-ish things a bit wimpy, and that certainly applies to courgettes. Grew Yellow Zebra one year, but wouldn't do so again.

This year I grew Defender and found it to be very mildew resistant, but for the best taste I'd recommend Verde di Milano. The RHS recommend Venus as a spineless variety.

Finally, people who buy young plants from me get the ones Lidl sell at 29p a packet. No one's complained! :rotfl:

Grumpysally

Davesnave wrote: »

The only problem I have picking mine is being stung by the young nettles that infest the bed once the plants develop a wide canopy.

I must be very unlucky, or growing particularly vicious plants. I seem to be for ever getting scratched by them. Two years ago a spine embedded itself in my finger and I couldn't get it out. A lump formed round it and then last month it suddenly became infected, resulting in an extremely painful and swollen finger, requiring antibiotics._pale_ I still cant bend my finger properly. . Rather embarrassing when people asked me what was wrong with my finger . "Well, you see, it all started with a courgette......."
So you can see why the idea of spineless ones appeal!