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Defender

Cucurbita pepo 'Defender'

Defender AGM is one of the most reliably productive courgettes for UK kitchen gardens. Early to crop, with dark green fruits and compact bush habit. Good resistance to cucumber mosaic virus.

Key facts

Growth habit: bush
Produce type: courgette
Support: none
Sun: full sun
Height: 60-80 cm
Spacing: 75-90 cm
Days to harvest: 55–150 days
Avg. yield: 20-30 fruits per season
Watering: high
Frost sensitivity: high

Resistant to

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Cucumber mosaic virus

One of the most widespread plant viruses, spread primarily by aphids. Affects a broad range of crops including cucurbits, legumes, and herbs. There is no cure once a plant is infected; management focuses on controlling aphid vectors and removing infected material.

For all courgette issues and threats, see the Courgette page.

Related guides

Harvesting courgettes without losing momentum
The key to a productive courgette plant is harvesting frequently. Miss a few days and you have a marrow. Here is what to look for and when.