Did you know that courgettes are not only about the fruit but also the flowers they bloom? Yes, it’s true – these plants have a whole floral story to tell!
Courgettes are the perfect vegetable for beginners and definitely one of my top 5 things to grow every year. We only have a small garden in London, and if you have a small space too, you can grow them vertically. I know that it’s a bit strange to see courgettes growing vertically, but it’s possible. You can save a lot of space, and they look cute too! If you grow too many plants, then you can have many baby courgettes because they keep producing so much, and if you plant a few varieties, you can wait for the courgettes to grow bigger. Every part of the plant is edible, and the harvest is so rewarding!
As much as we love courgettes, I should say that the flowers are incredible too. There are times that I grow a few plants just to harvest and eat the flowers. They are a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes. They can be stuffed with a flavorful filling, fried, added to soups and stews, or simply sautéed with garlic and olive oil for a quick and delicious side dish. Their subtle flavor is often compared to that of the courgette itself, making them a perfect complement to many dishes.
The Blossoms: Male and Female Flowers
To grow courgette flowers, simply plant courgette seeds or seedlings in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep the plants well-watered and fertilized, and they will reward you with an abundance of beautiful blooms. Harvest the flowers in the morning when they are fully open for the best flavor and texture.
You probably already know, but for those who don’t – courgette plants are a little bit like us, in the sense that they have both male and female parts. But here’s the fun part: they produce two types of flowers – males and females.
Male flowers are usually the first ones to bloom. They sport narrow flower stems and are bursting with pollen that attracts pollinators. The male flowers aren’t just pretty; they taste amazing too! Try them stuffed with mozzarella and fried – a dish you never knew you needed.
Female flowers typically make their debut a little later, after the insects have been enticed by the male flower. These ladies are easily recognizable by their swollen stem, or ovary, which may even look like a mini version of the mature fruit. And if they’ve been successfully pollinated, fruit production begins!
The Art of Hand Pollination
What if your courgette plant isn’t producing as much fruit as you’d like? It could be time to practice hand pollination and become the perfect matchmaker for these beauties. Grab a brush, collect some pollen from the male flowers, and delicately transfer it to the females’ pistils. Voila! You’ve just helped nature along by ensuring that you have plenty of courgettes for your future dinners.
Quick Reminder
I know that it’s really tempting to pluck those beautiful flowers to make a delicious meal, but remember that balance is key. Harvesting too many blossoms can leave your plant without enough pollinators to set fruit. So, be mindful, enjoy a few blossoms for your kitchen creations, and leave some for nature to work its magic.
So, the next time you eat grilled courgettes or a crispy fried flower, remember the journey that brought them to your table. And maybe in that moment of thankfulness, you’ll experience a stronger connection to nature and the delectable gifts it offers.
Happy gardening and bon appétit!
