In message , Jeanne Stockdale
writes

wrote in message
...
In article ,
June Hughes wrote:
I have never grown courgettes as my husband doesn't like them but
recently bought one plant to fill a space in a raised bed. It was very
soon producing courgettes and I was so pleased, I went to the garden
centre and bought two more plants, which I put in a gigantic pot. They
too grew quickly but it soon became apparent that they are both (I think
- I am a courgette bozo) male, as all they are producing is flowers on
stalks where you would expect the courgettes to be. They are also
rather prickly plants. I know you can cook the flowers and shall do so
but can anyone please tell me if there is anything I can do?

No, all courgettes are bisexual. Most of the squashes seem to produce
quote a lot of male flowers before they start producing female ones.
Most varieties are prickly, but not all.

So I recommend a policy of constructive inaction.


Regards,
Nick Maclaren.

I agree with Nick - the female flowers will come eventually - and then you
will be indundated with them. If your husband says he doesn't like them try
the following:

Mix together 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon sugar and 3 garlic
cloves, crushed. Chop courgettes into largish chunks and coat with oil
mixture. Roast in oven for 40-45 minutes until softened and coloured.
Brilliant with any roast meat. My husband was converted!!!

Jeanne

Sweet Roasted Marrow Wedges

Prep and cook time: 30 mins to 1 hour

Serves: 4

Ingredients
2 x 15ml spoons olive oil
3 garlic cloves, crushed
salt and freshly ground black pepper
15ml spoon sugar
1 marrow, deseeded and cut into wedges

Method
Preheat the oven to 190°C, 375°F, Gas Mark 5.

Place the oil, garlic, salt, pepper and sugar in a large bowl and mix
together. Then add the prepared marrow and coat.

Transfer to a roasting tray and cook for 45 minutes or until softened and
coloured. Serve with any roasted meats.


I shall try that, Jeanne. Many thanks to both you and Nick for the
solid advice.

I also hope to try the courgette cake in one of Nigella Lawson's books.
If it is any good, I shall let you have the recipe. It will be a little
while though - as soon as the plants start producing courgettes.

I am glad I asked here before visiting the garden centre, although I
know they would have been very patient and helpful.
--
June Hughes